Saints are mulling the possibility of releasing Vilma
 

Saints have been mulling possibly releasing LB Jon Vilma. Linebacker market may start to materialize more if Lofton signs

https://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora


Its our old friend LaCanfora at it again. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this is true.

Seems like a no-brainer to me to release him.

I wish he would restructure, stay, and at least lend his mind to the rest of the LB's... If Lofton is to sign, these two would be a combo if one would move to the outside.

It all depends on what he has left in the tank.

Vilma still has value. I think it would be smart for both sides to try to keep him along with addition of another starting LB...

Unfortunately I think it may happen, Vilma is a guy that I really respect, he always led by example, always gave 110%, I just don't think he's got a lot left

Thanks for helping us win a SB Vilma, your one of my favourite players from our team the last 4 years

I agree with you dizzle, he did give it his all.

They could be thinking of a possible suspension coming down from Goodell and may want to release him before that happens. Still, he's been a great leader and captain for our D. I would hate to see him go.

I love JV, but its obvious his production is declining due to his knee issues.

I'd love for 51 to stay, but perhaps at a reduced price with some incentive built in in case he regains his old form. That would protect both sides.

Based on what we currently know and his 2011 play, he's overpaid and we need some cap room. That has cut/restructure written all over it.

He's probably gone....maybe it's time.

Sad that they gotta release Vilma before they freakin release Shanle. Lofton is gonna end up a Saint at JV's expense!!!! Sign Hawthorne first Shanle must go!!!!!

Love Vilma hope he restructures.

Vilma is more than likely facing a suspension from Goodell. The suspension plus his knees has me feeling his cap space can be better utilized on a younger LB...

Wow, i hate to say it but it might be time to say good by.

I actually do agree that Vilma will probably get chopped. However, I do see a strong possibility of him coming back later on. He sounds like one of those candidates to be set free for cap reasons, let him test the market and then see if he wants to comeback at a reduced price. Maybe a contract for minimum that is loaded with incentives?

I'll pitch in 10k for him to stay.

:/

Why is everyone so convinced that Vilma will get suspended? Am I missing the writing on the wall or are these just assumptions?

I am with lMitchl. Vilma being the Defensive team captain for the defense that has been caught in the bounty program... The preception is he could be the leader of the bounty system on the field. +knee = cooked goose.

Because a lot of us aren't living in denial.

Reality is of all the 'players', he'll get the most sever suspensions and fines in my opinion. If that is 5-6-8 weeks or longer, we'd be better off signing another starter and cutting him loose. Let him serve his suspension on another team really... be on their roster and not contribute.

I am also still worried about the injury taking a step from him also... its just not adding up and worth keeping him. Get someone else who will be a better fit in our new D.

Conflicting reports on Saints

The Saints are looking into adding a middle linebacker in free agency, and that has led to conflicting reports about whether Jonathan Vilma has a future in New Orleans.

After the Saints scheduled a visit with free agent Curtis Lofton, Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reported that the Saints have been mulling releasing Vilma.

However, Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune reports that the team has no plans to release Vilma, even though they’ll be meeting soon with free agents David Hawthorne and Joe Mays in addition to Lofton.

Vilma turns 30 next month, is coming off knee surgery and is due $5.5 million this year, so it’s easy to see why the Saints would consider cutting him. And there’s another issue at play: Vilma may be suspended for his role in the ongoing bounty case. The NFL’s discipline is expected to be announced soon, and Vilma — who reportedly offered $10,000 cash to any teammate who could knock Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game — is the player who’s likely to get the harshest punishment. So the Saints may not have Vilma available to him for all 16 games.

Or they might just decide they don’t want him for any games.

He'll restructure and stay is my guess. I don't think he could pass a physical right now to go anywhere else.