Just as quarterback Drew Brees says he signed with New Orleans for a “reason,’’ so apparently has Chris McAlister, the newest Saint on the block.

The 10th overall pick of the 1999 draft by the Baltimore Ravens reportedly signed a one-year contract Tuesday to help shore up the Black and Gold’s banged-up secondary, specifically at the cornerback position, where starters Jabari Greer (groin) and Tracy Porter (knee) are both sidelined with injuries.

McAlister, 32, spent Wednesday getting acclimated with the Saints playbook and his new coaches and teammates.

Sporting a diamond ring in each ear lobe and flashing a toothy smile, he seemed driven to prove the Ravens wrong for unceremoniously dumping him in February and Saints officials right for bringing him on board their 9-0 express.

“I can only say I’m here now and I’m here for a reason,’’ he told reporters Wednesday. “Earlier in the offseason, I wasn’t ready or had the mindset to come back and play football. For it to take as long as it did, I’m happy it happened before I had no other opportunity.’’

McAlister declined to say whether he has fully recovered from reconstructive surgery on his right knee a year ago and arthroscopic surgery in June, but Saints officials must be convinced that he is in good health after putting him through medical exams before and after an extensive workout.

But it was abundantly clear how he felt about his former team, who he last played for in Week 7 (Oct. 19 versus Miami) of the 2008 season.

“It was a bitter divorce in Baltimore, the way I was no longer a part of the club and for my first time in 10 years, didn’t have any place to call home,’’ said McAlister, who was released largely because he counted $8 million against the Ravens’ 2009 salary cap. “ The offseason took on a new life for me. There was a transition period for me to figure out exactly if I’m going to come back and play football or am I not.

“It took until the season started before I sat there and realized what it was I was missing. I wasn’t missing anything other than being out there on the field and being in the locker room and playing some football.’’

Asked if he has a “chip on his shoulder,’’ McAlister replied: “I’ve always had a chip. For those that know me, I’ve never gone out there with anything other than a chip. Not being in Baltimore, we don’t play them. At the end of the day we don’t play them and I’ll always have the same chip on my shoulder.’’

A few lockers away, Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins recalled his first memories of McAlister, a three-time Pro Bowl player with 26 career interceptions who played an integral part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXC championship season in 2000.

“I was in sixth grade at Theodore Shore Middle School in Piscataway, N.J., when he got drafted in 1999,’’ Jenkins said. “I remember watching him growing up because the Ravens were my favorite team just because they had a real good defense and I loved Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.

“To be a part of that defense, you’re a part of history. I’m sure (McAlister) has a lot of things to teach and he’s probably a great leader, so I’m going to try and pick his brain a little bit.’’

That is one of the motivating factors behind McAlister’s signing by General Manager Mickey Loomis and Coach Sean Payton, a move that should be applauded by Saints fans because it fills a glaring need on short notice. McAlister brings a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl ring to the 53-man roster, in other words a guy who has been there and done that.

How much or if McAlister plays Sunday on the road against the 1-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and against the New England Patriots in a nationally-televised game on Nov. 30 at the Superdome depends largely on Greer’s availability and how well veteran cornerback Randall Gay and Jenkins are playing.

Gay started for Greer at left cornerback in Sunday’s 28-23 road win against the St. Louis Rams and was toasted for two scoring passes.

Jenkins, the 14th overall pick in April, fared much better while seeing his most extensive action this season.

“I did pretty good,’’ Jenkins said. “I think I only had 2 minuses and I played 40-something plays, so I graded out pretty well. But I still feel like a rookie. I’ll feel like a rookie until I get a pick. Once I make some serious plays and have some impact on a game, then that’s when I’ll really feel comfortable with where I’m at. I made a few plays but when I come in and really have an impact on a game that’s when I’ll really feel comfortable and I’ll be able to shake that rookie tag.’’

Until then, Jenkins said he will stay patient, work hard and absorb as much knowledge as he can from the handful of proven veteran defensive backs, including the newest Saint on the block.

“Here I am just 21, and I’m playing with guys who I grew up watching on TV and on video games,’’ Jenkins said. “That’s kind of crazy but that’s the essence of this league.

“When you’re little, you idolize Chris McAlister and, Darren Sharper and guys like that. When somebody caught a ball against you as kid, you got ‘Mossed’ (as in Randy Moss) and in a couple of weeks I’m going to be covering him. That’s the funny thing about this league, but it’s fun.’’

Yeah, a real blast from the past, as in Chris McAlister.