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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Falcons | Not signing Jonathan Vilma Wed Jun 18, 05:03 PM
Updating a previous report, the Atlanta Falcons will not be signing free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) after he workout today. It is still possible the team signs him at a later date.
| Footballguys view: He could give Joplu Bartu an obstacle to starting again this year, but Vilma would be unlikely to have much fantasy value, even if he was a starter and signed by the Falcons. He is probably far from a three-down linebacker at this point and Vilma can be ignored in IDP leagues no matter where lands. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Falcons | Work out Jonathan Vilma Wed Jun 18, 03:08 PM
The Atlanta Falcons are working out free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) Wednesday, June 18.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Falcons | No visit with Jonathan Vilma yet Sun Jun 15, 11:41 PM
The Atlanta Falcons have not scheduled a visit with free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) at this point.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Falcons | Looking hard at Jonathan Vilma Wed Jun 11, 10:13 PM
The Atlanta Falcons are looking hard at free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) to replace the injured LB Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles'). If Vilma checks out medically, as he has had a knee issue in the past, the team might bring him in for a visit soon, according to a source.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Cowboys | Evaluating MLBs Mon Jun 2, 08:07 AM
The Dallas Cowboys are evaluating middle linebacker options on the open market including free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) and LB Brian Urlacher (Bears). They will likely use a two-player platoon.
| Footballguys view: The team has to make a move at the position because of the season-ending injury for Sean Lee. We'll see if Vilma or Urlacher is brought in for a private workout in the near future. |
Brian Urlacher player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Dolphins | Jonathan Vilma checks in with team Sun Jun 1, 08:06 PM
Representatives for free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma (Saints) contacted the Miami Dolphins to see if they had any interest in Vilma, but the team said they did not have any interest.
| Footballguys view: Vilma should check in with the Cardinals. Arizona just lost linebacker Daryl Washington for at least a year-long suspension. Vilma's not the same player he used to be, but he could help the Cardinals as an early down thumper. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Cowboys | Several replacement options for Sean Lee Tue May 27, 11:52 PM
With Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee (knee) likely out for the season, the team will likely turn to either LBs Justin Durant, DeVonte Holloman or rookie Anthony Hitchens. The team also might investigate the free-agent market which includes LBs Dan Connor (Panthers), Erin Henderson (Vikings) and Jonathan Vilma (Saints).
| Footballguys view: The team has to push the panic button here. Losing Lee for the year is going to have a huge impact for the defense. He's always around the ball and known as a sound tackler and team leader. They simply won't be the same without him, no matter who they add. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Justin Durant player page
Erin Henderson player page
Dan Connor player page
Sean Lee player page
DeVonte Holloman player page
Anthony Hitchens player page
Saints | Make roster moves Wed Feb 12, 05:54 PM
The New Orleans Saints released SS Roman Harper, DE Will Smith and CB Jabari Greer Wednesday, Feb. 12. The team also will not re-sign LB Jonathan Vilma.
| Footballguys view: Smith is best suited as a backup in a 4-3 defense at this point in his career. He may wind up in Oakland where he would be reunited former Saints assistant Dennis Allen. Greer is a seasoned veteran with a lack of durability. If healthy, there should be a team willing to take a chance with a one-year deal. Harper still have game let, but at 31 years old the market may be cool for his services. |
Will Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Jabari Greer player page
Roman Harper player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma unlikely to be back Tue Feb 11, 11:06 PM
New Orleans Saints impending free-agent LB Jonathan Vilma is unlikely to return, according to a source.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma placed on IR Wed Nov 6, 04:52 PM
The New Orleans Saints have placed LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2013 season.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma expected to play Sat Nov 2, 08:09 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is expected to be active for the team's Week 9 game. Vilma likely will be eased into the defense because he is coming off the short-term Injured Reserve list.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma activated Sat Nov 2, 04:18 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) was activated from the Injured Reserve/Recall list.
| Footballguys view: The Saints have been monitoring Vilma as he's practiced over the last two weeks. He's likely to be eased in as a part-time player this week if he's active. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma practices Mon Oct 21, 06:17 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) participated in practice Monday, Oct. 21. He is currently on the Injured Reserve/Designated to Return list.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma to practice Fri Oct 18, 08:32 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) confirmed he'll return to practice Monday, Oct. 21.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma could return to practice soon Sat Oct 12, 09:16 PM
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) could return to practice after the team's Week 7 bye.
| Footballguys view: Vilma is eligible to come off the IR/Designated to Return list before the team's Week 9 game. Payton is not sure what Vilma's role will be on defense when he does get back to the field. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma placed on short-term IR Tue Sep 3, 09:01 PM
Updating a previous report, the New Orleans Saints officially placed LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) on the Injured Reserve/Designated to Return list Tuesday, Sept. 2.
| Footballguys view: Vilma is restricted from practicing with the team for the first six weeks of the season. He's unable to play for the first eight weeks. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma to land on IR Tue Sep 3, 06:14 PM
The New Orleans Saints are planning to put LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) on the short-term Injured Reserve list. Vilma had left knee surgery in August. Vilma would be able to return to practice after Week 6 and return to game action after Week 8.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma likely to miss multiple games Mon Sep 2, 09:41 AM
Updating previous reports, New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is likely to miss multiple games with his knee injury.
| Footballguys view: More bad news for the Saints defense here. Vilma had his knee scoped in mid-August and is experiencing complications during his recovery. Without him in the lineup we'll now see David Hawthorne next to Curtis Lofton. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma not expected to be ready for opener Sun Sep 1, 11:56 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is not expected to be ready to play Week 1. He is still recovering from knee surgery he had in August.
| Footballguys view: Vilma has no value in IDP leagues right now. David Hawthorne will get the start while he's out, but he only has a little more value than Vilma. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Four miss practice Tue Aug 20, 12:52 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Chris Chamberlain (undisclosed), LB Junior Galette (knee), WR Joe Morgan (knee) and LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) each missed practice Monday, Aug. 19.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Chris Chamberlain player page
Junior Galette player page
Joe Morgan player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma to have surgery Thu Aug 15, 11:03 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) will have surgery on his knee Thursday, Aug. 15, and is expected to be ready for Week 1.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma getting second opinion Wed Aug 14, 02:20 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (undisclosed) is scheduled to receive a second opinion on an undisclosed injured Wednesday, Aug. 14. Vilma has missed six of the last eight practices and did not play in the first preseason game.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Three return Wed Aug 7, 10:29 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (undisclosed), LB Eric Martin (undisclosed) and WR Andy Tanner (shoulder) are back at practice Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Andy Tanner player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma returns Mon Jul 29, 11:28 AM
Updating an immediate report, New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (nose) returned to the field Monday, July 29, with a wrap around his nose.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma leaves early Mon Jul 29, 11:21 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (undisclosed) walked off the field with a trainer with what is believed to be a minor injury Monday, July 29.
| Footballguys view: Vilma has said he's in the 'best shape of his career' before the start of camp. This sounds like a minor injury so he should be back on the practice field soon. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Four defensive players limited Thu May 23, 02:34 PM
New Orleans Saints DE Kenyon Coleman (undisclosed), LB Jonathan Vilma (undisclosed), LB David Hawthorne (undisclosed) and FS Malcolm Jenkins (undisclosed) did not participate in team drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23. Head coach Sean Payton said none of the players are dealing with serious injuries.
Link to storyKenyon Coleman player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Malcolm Jenkins player page
David Hawthorne player page
Saints | More on Will Smith Tue May 21, 12:00 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Will Smith lined up at outside linebacker for the first time as the team transitions to a 3-4 defense during OTAs Monday, May 20. 'That's where we'll start him,' head coach Sean Payton said, noting that outside linebackers often play pass-rushing roles in a 3-4 scheme. 'We can play him right and left, but I think initially that right outside position would be very similar to what he's played for us in the past.' LB Jonathan Vilma is expected to be one of the two middle linebackers in their new defense.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma has inside shot Thu May 2, 09:19 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma has been the talk of the weight room and seems to be the front-runner for the second inside spot.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma take huge pay cuts Wed Mar 13, 09:56 AM
New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma took significant pay cuts in order to remain with the team. Smith's $1 million roster bonus and $150,000 workout bonus for 2013 remain, but his salary has been reduced to $3 million, a $6 million pay cut that lowers his cap number to $8.502 million for the upcoming season. Vilma, meanwhile, was scheduled to earn a $1.1 million roster bonus, along with a $100,000 workout bonus and $4.8 million salary for a 2013 cap number of $8.6325 million. Under the renegotiation, Vilma's roster bonus was erased and his base salary was reduced to $1 million. The team doubled his workout bonus to $200,000, all of which results in Vilma having a 2013 cap number of $3.8325 million, a reduction of $4.8 million for the upcoming season.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Coach thinks three defensive players could remain on team Wed Mar 6, 12:51 PM
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said he envisions DE Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma and SS Roman Harper being on the team next season but understands roster moves could be made during the offseason. 'First off, I do envision those guys in a Saints uniform, and yet I'm also realistic and understand that every year since the beginning of free agency the percentage of players on your roster that turns over is different than it used to be,' Payton said.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Roman Harper player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma offered reduced deal Thu Feb 28, 02:01 AM
The New Orleans Saints have offered a reduced contract offer to LB Jonathan Vilma, which would allow him to stay with the team. The two sides are discussing the deal.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Will ask two players to restructure Mon Feb 18, 08:57 AM
The New Orleans Saints will ask LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith to restructure their contracts.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma will need to restructure Wed Feb 13, 09:58 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma will likely have to agree to adjust his salary to remain with the team. The Saints are currently projected to be at least $14 million over the salary cap. Vilma has a base salary of $4.8 million with a cap figure of $8.6 million.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma fits new scheme Wed Feb 13, 09:54 AM
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said he believes LB Jonathan Vilma, a prototypical 4-3 middle linebacker, can make the switch to the team's new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Vilma is considered undersized to play middle linebacker in the 3-4; however, Payton can envision Vilma playing in a weakside linebacker spot with LB Curtis Lofton staying as a middle linebacker.
| Footballguys view: The WILB spot in Ryan's defense should improve Vilma's IDP stock. He's worth a hold in deep leagues. |
Jonathan Vilma player page
Curtis Lofton player page
Saints | Several players happy with Rob Ryan hire Sat Feb 9, 02:16 PM
New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan, LB Jonathan Vilma and CB Jabari Greer have all expressed their approval of new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. 'I am excited to get to work with our new defensive coordinator,' Greer said. 'We have a lot of work to do, but we also have the men with the desire to get it done.'
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Jabari Greer player page
Cameron Jordan player page
Saints | Two may not fit 3-4 defense Thu Jan 24, 08:05 PM
New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma may not fit the 3-4 defensive alignment the team is switching to next season.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
NFL | Judge dismisses Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit Thu Jan 17, 06:10 PM
A federal judge has dismissed New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Two might be released in offseason Fri Dec 21, 10:41 PM
New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma might be salary cap casualties in the offseason. They are the most likely veterans to be released unless the former Pro Bowlers agree to substantial pay cuts.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Two could be released this offseason Wed Dec 19, 04:51 PM
The New Orleans Saints could consider releasing DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma this offseason in order to gain some salary cap space.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma to get more time Thu Nov 15, 03:46 PM
New Orleans Saints interim head coach Joe Vitt said LB Jonathan Vilma will see more playing time moving forward.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
NFL | Appeals in bounty case to be heard Nov. 20 Mon Nov 5, 11:03 PM
The hearing for suspended players in the bounty scandal with former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will be November 20. New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilman, Cleveland Browns LB Scott Fujita and free-agent DE Anthony Hargrove (Packers) will learn their fates then.
Link to storyScott Fujita player page
Anthony Hargrove player page
Will Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
NFL | Appeals in bounty case postponed Sat Oct 27, 01:53 PM
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has postponed the appeals hearings for New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma, Cleveland Browns LB Scott Fujita and free-agent DE Anthony Hargrove (Packers). The hearings were scheduled to occur Tuesday, Oct. 30, with Tagliabue in charge of the hearings but no reason was given for the postponement.
Link to storyScott Fujita player page
Anthony Hargrove player page
Will Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma can play Sunday Tue Oct 23, 11:03 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith can play in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos before their appeals are heard Oct. 30.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma, Curtis Lofton could play at same time Sat Oct 20, 02:27 PM
The New Orleans Saints may try to play LBs Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton at the same time during games with one of the linebackers moving to outside linebacker.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Curtis Lofton player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma activated from PUP list Sat Oct 20, 01:57 PM
The New Orleans Saints have activated LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list. In a corresponding move, the team has released WR Greg Camarillo.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Greg Camarillo player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma expected to play Sat Oct 20, 08:02 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) appears ready to play in the team's Week 7 game. Interim head coach Aaron Kromer said Vilma had been impressive in practice all week. 'Vilma looked good all week,' Kromer said. 'We've got to get together as a staff still, make sure everyone is on the same page, and decide on game day.' The team still must activate Vilma from the Physically Unable to Perform list; however, all signs point to them doing just that.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma could play Fri Oct 19, 11:56 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) practiced again Thursday, Oct. 18, and there is a chance he could play in Week 7. However, the team has yet to activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma unlikely to play Wed Oct 17, 05:34 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is extremely unlikely to play in Week 7 after returning to practice Wednesday, Oct. 17. He'll likely be eased into action in the coming weeks. Vilma will most likely rotate as an outside linebacker with LB Curtis Lofton entrenched at middle linebacker.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Curtis Lofton player page
Saints | Five fully participate in practice Wed Oct 17, 03:49 PM
New Orleans Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring), LB Jonathan Casillas (neck), DE Turk McBride (ankle), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) and RB Travaris Cadet (shoulder) all fully participated in practice Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Lance Moore player page
Turk McBride player page
Jonathan Casillas player page
Travaris Cadet player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma practices Wed Oct 17, 03:30 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) participated in practice Friday, Oct. 17, and interim head coach Aaron Kromer said he looked good. Vilma is on the Physically Unable to Perform list but his status for Week 7 will be determined on how well he knows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's scheme. Spagnuolo said he will find a place for Vilma to play when he returns.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page