Could Vilma be on his way back?

Jets Could Reap Dividends From “Bountygate”
by Daniel Marcus on March 4th, 2012 at 2:59 pm

With the news coming out about Gregg Williams and the Saints taking a page out of Buddy Ryan’s playbook and putting bounties on certain players heads for the past three seasons, the Jets could find themselves in an advantageous position.

It turns out that one of the players whose name has become associated with the scandal is none other than former Jets draft pick and NFL Rookie of the Year, Jonathan Vilma. There has been speculation that the Saints may decide to release Vilma because of his relatively high cap number, coupled with the report that he allegedly put a $10,000 bounty on the head of one Brett Favre (funny how things tend to come full circle). If Vilma was to find himself without a job, it may behoove the Jets to at least take a look considering they are likely to have a void at Middle Linebacker with Bart Scott expected to be released or traded.

To some it may seem asinine to bring back Vilma considering the Jets traded him because they did not feel as though he could play the Middle Backer position in a 3-4. However, Vilma is an excellent football despite the fact that he is undersized, he is also very good in coverage, something that the Jets have been lacking among their linebacking corps.

Before he got hurt in 2007, Vilma was one of the most promising young defensive players in the league and the Jets never got full value when they decided to trade him to the Saints before the 2008 season. In New Orleans, Vilma has thrived and oh yeah, he has a Super Bowl ring. He is 30 and may carry a sizable price tag but if he is available the Jets would be remiss if they didn’t at least “kick the tires” on bringing him back.[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Problem is that he only know how to play in a 4-3 defense with why he was traded in the 1st place Because he couldn't play in the 3-4 defense. Beside he getting up in ages now rather draft a LB.

IrishJets1129 wrote:Problem is that he only know how to play in a 4-3 defense with why he was traded in the 1st place Because he couldn't play in the 3-4 defense. Beside he getting up in ages now rather draft a LB.

That's what Mangini said and we know where he is now. A player with Vilma's talent can be used in any system. It's up to coaching staff to figure out how.

LRJets wrote:They say 27 players were tagged in Bounty Gate. Vilma is the only one that is purported to have a specific dollar figure attached , as he offered $10,000 to knock out the QB in the NFC title game.
Goodell is rip-roaring angry and Vilma may catch a world full of hell. Probably second to Williams.

Good point LR - Goodell is looking for scalps on this one.