combined tackles and made two interceptions in the Saints' 16–13 win at the Carolina Panthers. Knight made two interceptions off pass attempts by Kerry Collins and Steve Beuerlein during the game. Knight finished his rookie season in 1997 with 84 combined tackles and five interceptions in 16 games and 12 starts. 1998 On February 18, 1998, the New Orleans Saints offered Knight a one-year restricted free agent contract tender to remain with the team. Knight became the starting free safety after Anthony Newman departed in free agency. Head coach Mike Ditka named Knight the starter to begin the season, alongside strong safety Chad Cota. Knight was inactive for two games (Weeks 4–5) due to an injury. On November 8, 1998, Knight made three tackles, two interceptions, and scored his first career touchdown during a 31–24 loss at the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. Knight intercepted a pass by Vikings' quarterback Brad Johnson and returned in for a 91-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. In Week 16, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Saints 19–17 loss at the Arizona Cardinals. Knight intercepted a pass by Cardinals' quarterback Jake Plummer, that was intended for wide receiver Frank Sanders, and returned it for a 32-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Knight finished the 1998 NFL season with 75 combined tackles and a career-high six interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts. His six interceptions tied for eighth most in the league in 1998. 1999 On March 23, 1999, the New Orleans Saints signed Knight to a five-year, $10 million contract with a signing bonus of $2 million. Knight was named the starting strong safety and began the season alongside free safety Rob Kelly and cornerbacks Ashley Ambrose and Fred Weary. In Week 6, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles during a 24–21 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career in 1999 and recorded 101 combined tackles and an interception. 2000 On January 5, 2000, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Mike Ditka after they finished the 1999 season with a 3–13 record. On February 3, 2000, the New Orleans Saints hired Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator Jim Haslett as their new head coach. Defensive coordinator Ron Zook retained Knight as the starting strong safety. Knight started alongside starting free safety Darren Perry