Vilma given permission to seek trade

February 22, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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The New York Jets have given line backer Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself around for a possible trade. Now this DOES NOT mean Vilma will be trade, he’s just getting the chance to look around the league and see what teams want him. What it does mean is that both Vilma and Jets management both are admitting he isn’t a good fit for coach Eric Mangini’s 3-4 style of defense.

OK, to the details, Vilma officially has 1 year left on his current rookie contract. So if the Jets do not deal him this off-season they will most likely lose him next year and receive no compensation. Jonathan is looking for a long-term extension if he is dealt, so he will be talking with teams trying to work out a new contract. If a deal is reached, it would be pending a trade. Which means that team that signs him would then have to call up the Jets and work out a trade.

What teams could use a linebacker, who is best suited for a 4-3 defense? Early front runners would be the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints currently have an offer out to Zach Thomas, so if he accepts that you could cross the Saints off the list. Now with the Jags, former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson is now an assistant coach. Henderson’s 4-3 defense is the system that produced Vilma’s 2004 Defensive Rookie of the Year season.

Another rumor is the St Louis Rams, who would be willing to be trade their #2 pick in the draft to the Jets for the #6 and Vilma. That deal would most likely be a big stretch thou.

Vilma, if fully recovered from last years knee problems, could be a very big contributor for any team. He’s a young player who has proven he can play with the big boys. Its always unfortunate thou that certain players just don’t fit in new styles brought in by new coaches. I firmly believe most Jets fans would hate to lose Vilma, but hey they love their Mangenious.

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