NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year contract.

The 6-foot, 208-pound Lewis is a New Orleans native, playing high school football in the city at O. Perry Walker. The 26-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving into a starting role last season and leading the NFL with 23 passes defended. Lewis visited with the Saints earlier this week.

General Manager Mickey Loomis says Lewis was a top target for the Saints, who are transitioning to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Lewis' deal is worth $26.3 million with $10.5 million in guarantees, including a $6 million signing bonus, according to NOLA.com.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pete Orr hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.Orr, a veteran utilityman, connected off former Phillies left-hander Mike Zagurski, hitting a long drive to right.Phillies starter Aaron Cook tossed three one-hit innings. Cook, who has made one relief appearance since 2003, is trying to make the roster as a long man in the bullpen.Pirates starter Kyle McPherson threw five scoreless innings, allowing four hits. McPherson, who is competing for the fifth spot in Pittsburgh's rotation, helped his chances after two rough outings.

HOUSTON — Ed Reed is sure getting the red-carpet treatment from the Houston Texans.The Texans on Thursday said the free agent safety was picked up in by general manager Rick Smith in the private jet of Texans owner Bob McNair. The move was tweeted by the team for all the world to see and then Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips tweeted that he was meeting with the Ravens veteran in his office, too.The 34-year-old Reed played for the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens. Reed is the Ravens' franchise leader in interceptions with 61, and his 1,541 return yards with those pickoffs is an NFL career record.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Denny Hamlin and NASCAR settled their censorship flap Thursday when he announced he would not appeal the $25,000 fine levied against him for criticizing the new Gen-6 car.But Hamlin held his ground on refusing to pay the fine. NASCAR said the fine will be settled per the rule book, which allows the sanctioning body to garnish the money from a driver’s race winnings.