By PFW staff
Feb. 29, 2008

The Saints took a chance Friday and traded a future conditional draft pick to the Jets for MLB Jonathan Vilma. Vilma, who was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2004, came relatively cheap, considering he led the league in tackles (187) and made the Pro Bowl just two seasons ago. The soon-to-be 26-year-old had season-ending surgery after seven games last season to repair a bone chip in his right knee, which resulted from an injury he suffered in high school. Vilma will likely compete for the starting MLB position with Mark Simoneau, who has reportedly agreed on a deal to re-sign with New Orleans.

The PFW spin

Vilma didn't adjust well to Jets coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense, and he fell out of favor with the club, which allowed him to negotiate a trade with another team this offseason. The Coral Gables, Fla., native thrived in former Jets coach Herm Edwards' 4-3 scheme and will move back to that system in New Orleans, which could lead to his resurgence.

The Saints have made upgrading their 26th-ranked defense a top priority this offseason as they try to rebuild a team that fell to 7-9 and out of the playoffs last season after a 2006 run to the NFC championship game. New Orleans was decent against the run in 2007, ranking 13th, but were woeful vs. the pass, finishing 30th. PFW correspondent Mike Triplett, a Saints beat reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, is reporting that the team has Saturday visits scheduled for Patriots CB Randall Gay and Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves.

If Vilma is healthy, this could end up being a steal for coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis. The Saints have been looking to find playmakers on defense, trying, but whiffing, in pursuit of MLB Zach Thomas, who finalized a deal with the Cowboys Thursday. Vilma is a cerebral, athletic player who has great instincts and could bring the versatility that Simoneau, an eight-year veteran, won't be able to provide.

Vilma has one year left on his current contract and is due $1.0975 million in 2008.