LB Curtis Lofton said the potential loss of LB Jonathan Vilma didn't influence him to sign with the Saints during free agency. "When I signed on here, the first person I called and talked to was Vilma," Lofton said. "We talked about playing with each other. He is a great player and there is no replacing a guy like that. We have to step up and fill those shoes.” Lofton did sign before the Vilma penalties were announced.