Forget Jonathan Vilma
February 27th, 2012
When Joe learned Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik suggested the Bucs would dabble in free agency this offseason, one of the first players that came to mind was Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
Vilma wouldn’t break the Bucs’ bank, and if there was ever a position for which the Bucs sorely needed an upgrade, it is linebacker. Bucs linebackers specialized in matador defense last season, taunting running backs with red capes.
Given the fact Dominik tried to make a play for Vilma three years ago also reinforced Joe’s thought process.
But this is wrongful thinking according to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN. In a recent NFC South chat, Yasinskas is confident Vilma will not wear a Bucs uniform.
Jake (Illinois)
I know Vilma is under contract, but with the real possibility he could be a cap casualty, who do you think he is more likely to play for next year. The Saints or the Bucs?
Pat Yasinskas
I don’t think he fits the Bucs’ profile. Even if they sign free agents, they’re not going to be guys about to turn 30 with knee issues that may be chronic.
Even a hobbled Vilma would be better than what the Bucs have. If, as Yasinskas suggests, Vilma’s shelf life is limited, perhaps the Bucs could squeeze a couple of years out of him and have him teach Mason Foster how to play linebacker on the NFL level.
As far as a certain outside linebacker Vilma could work with, well, Vilma is not a voodoo doctor.
February 27th, 2012 at 9:07 am
At this age, I agree. I don’t want him here. Great…really great player. But it’s not a position like QB where you can play till you are forty…and he already has injury issues.
February 27th, 2012 at 9:07 am
And yes, I agree he is better than anyone we’ve got…but that doesn’t mean we should get him.
February 27th, 2012 at 9:18 am
And before anyone suggests it…NO to Anthony Adams, who the Bears have cut and is instantly available at DT.
February 27th, 2012 at 9:32 am
A year ago I would have loved to have Vilma. But last year he was just terrible.
Whether or not it was because of injury is largely irrelevant: either way he has issues.
February 27th, 2012 at 9:53 am
At this point, Vilma isn’t much of an upgrade. We can do quite a bit better than him if we really want to upgrade or LB unit.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:00 am
Im still trying to figure out why this was even a topic of conversation. Why would a young team wanna overpay a guy with knee issues? Bucs aren’t that desperate.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Nobody knows what price this guy is going to go for so speculation about “overpaying” are just that; wild speculation. If we can sign him for a few mil like 3 or 4 & have the back end not be guranteed or paying a bonus up front (due to injuries), I think it would be a great signing. I like medium risk high reward FA’s that aren’t going to kill our cap. If NO is cutting him, don’t think the Bucs are going to sign him to some mega mlb deal because they won’t. So let’s wait to see his asking price before we ridicule it. If he comes cheap he’s worth it cause our LB corps is a joke.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:19 am
Peter Dousche: no one is talking about anthony adams. This is a topic about linebacker needs. The d-line is not an issue. Take a lap, son.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:22 am
Matthew, ofcoarse he’s gonna be overpaid. He’s a free agent and a veteran. The same way the Bucs are about to overpay Mario Manningham for a having a good super bowl after a bad year.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:39 am
Jarret I didn’t realize you were part of the Buc’s front office & know all their FA plans/what they plan to pay & what those players will except during contract negotiations. I also forgot that every internet rumor becomes a fact, oh wait it doesn’t. Vilma is currently Scheduled to make 5.4 million, no team if he gets cut is going to pay him more then that NO was scheduled to pay him. He’ll likely want more then a one year deal so he’ll have to take less or make some concessions being he has a injury history & is close to 30. Thus, if he can be had for the 3 to 5 million range THAT’S NOT OVERPAYING & he’s an immediate upgrade to our LB Corps. All of this is moot however, in that until we actually offer a contract to one of these guys & they except blasting them or praising them over “internet rumors” is just silly.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:43 am
“Why would a young team wanna overpay a guy with knee issues?”
Kellenwinslowsayswhat. Careful, you may give Dominick ideas.
February 27th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Without Vilma, I’m still excited by the possibility of the Saints needing to Franchise tag Brees in order to get his deal done. That leaves a certain LG unprotected, though he is asking for a lot of cash on an O-line that already costs more than it produces in my humble opinion.
February 27th, 2012 at 11:40 am
Can we cut Faine, and use the extra money on Nicks?
February 27th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
It’s funny how some posters cry that the Glazers need to spend money, then complain about how they spend it. Think Vilma, if healthy, would be a solid addition to the team at the right price, especially if he’s not the only LB added through FA and the draft. Great veteran experience, and his knowledge of the Saints could be useful in game planning. If Nicks were to be signed as well, would love that move too. Would think the team would also bring in a OT or two to compete with Penn and Trueblood. And in the draft, would love to see the team draft DT Reyes as well. Really think he’s an under-the-radar guy that could reaaly add depth. Also, the Manningham rumors seem to be an agent driven imo.
February 27th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Isn’t possible that fans expect the Glazer’s and Dominick to not only spend money, but, spend it competently?
For instance: It really sucks they did NOT sign a LB who had experience calling plays, a CB (after Talib’s arrest, and another Ronde birthday), and a RB not named Lumpkin, before the start of last season. They did none of those things. Fail on Dominick.
And, it also sucks that they dumbly, signed a bad player like Quincy Black to a high $ contract when he never earned it before hand, and has not earned it since. They also attempted to throw $ at players like Favre and Haynesworth. Both would have been terrible investments only useful to trick some people in season tickets. More Dominick fail.
Re: Vilma. Awesome, awesome player. But, if his knee is bad, why would you want him? That is the question, is he healthy? Look at Winslow. We signed a guy who can’t even practice. Is that wise use of cap dollars?
I would use Faine $ to sign Nicks.
February 27th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
That’s what I’ve been saying about Vilma all along. I guess now that Yasinkas says it only now is it official.
The dude had major knee issues BEFORE coming to New Orleans… now he’s missed the entire last season? He’s NOT an option for anybody, even the Saints wouldn’t be likely to take him back were he not a free agent.
February 27th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
If Vilma comes cheap then I would do it. He is a great Mike hurt or not. If he gets hurt he can still teach our young LBs. But he is still a top MLB in the league and 1 bad season doesn’t mean your thru. Let him get healthy and see what he’s got. The Saints are the only other team that will get a chance with him IMO. Its the Saints or Bucs.
February 28th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
could somebody tell me what happened to the commish justin ?