The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS - Cornerback Ashley Ambrose is heading home, agreeing to a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Ambrose, born and raised in New Orleans, leaves another NFC South team, the Atlanta Falcons, to join the Saints. He agreed to a four-year, $8 million contract with the Saints that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Cut by the Falcons last month, Ambrose could have returned to Atlanta, which hoped to re-sign him for less money. Ambrose was due to make $4.575 million in 2003.

"You have to love Ashley's work ethic," Falcons head coach Dan Reeves said of the 11-year veteran. "He always gives you everything he's got. He's not the easiest kind of player to replace."

He started each of Atlanta's 50 games over the last three years and has missed only one game since the beginning of 1996.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said the deal could be finalized and signed Monday.

• The Saints also signed free-agent left tackle Wayne Gandy to a six-year contract on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Gandy played with the Steelers last season, and started every game since he joined the team in 1999. He missed just one start with the Rams, who drafted him in 1994 with the 15th overall pick.

"Whenever you get a chance to bring in a top notch player you do it, and getting Wayne in here will make us better," Saints coach Jim Haslett said. "He brings a combination of athleticism, polished pass protection techniques and run-blocking strength."

The acquisition of Gandy, who also looked at the Steelers and Miami Dolphins, casts further doubt on lineman Kyle Turley's future in New Orleans.

Turley, who has one year left on his contract, indicated he would like to be traded after the season.

In December, he rejected a multiyear contract offer from the Saints that included an $8.5 million signing bonus.

General manager Mickey Loomis said he has received numerous inquiries from teams about Turley's availability.

With the re-signings of tackles Flozell Adams by the Dallas Cowboys and Luke Petitgout by the New York Giants, Gandy was widely considered the last top-tier offensive tackle available in free agency.

GIANTS: Ike Hilliard and the New York Giants have agreed to terms on a new contract.

Neil Schwartz, Hilliard's agent, confirmed the agreement Sunday, but would not discuss specifics.

A source close to the team, who requested anonymity, told The AP the receiver got a five-year, $12.5 million contract.

Hilliard, the Giants' first-round draft pick in 1997, is taking classes in Florida. He probably won't sign the deal until later this week

Hilliard finished last season with 27 catches for 386 yards and two touchdowns. The former Florida product has 259 catches for 3,585 yards and 21 touchdowns in 69 career games.

RAMS: Cornerback Aeneas Williams, among four players released by St. Louis late last week, agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the team. Williams' contract terms weren't immediately available.

"There's no better role model and leader for a young secondary than Aeneas," said Jay Zygmunt, the Rams' president of football operations. "This obviously was one of our big goals. We're really excited."

Williams, a seven-time Pro Bowl player, missed the last half of the 2002 season with ankle and leg injuries.

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