Jonathan

Vilma

“He’s not starting, but I think he’ll play a major role in what we’re trying to do,” Head Coach Herm Edwards said.

Ben Roethlisberger and Jonathan Vilma were selected back-to-back with the 11th and 12th picks in the draft, both out of schools named Miami. Vilma has helped the Jets to an NFL-low 14.6 points allowed per game.

He’s expected to challenge Sam Cowart for a starting job.

Vilma is still behind Sam Cowart on the depth chart, but he’s been playing alongside Cowart in the 3-4, which the Jets could open with against the Saints Friday night.

Vilma started alonside Saw Cowart in New York’s new 3-4 defense. Many Jets observers believe Vilma is already one of their best players. Grab him early and often in IDP dynasty leagues.

It’s a nice matchup boost for Ben Tate, who will be seeing the majority of carries in place of the injured Arian Foster. As for Vilma, this latest setback has to be concerning given the veteran’s history of knee issues. Jo-Lonn Dunbar will attempt to hold down the fort at middle linebacker in Vilma’s absence.

Vilma turned in only limited practices this week after sitting out in Week 3, but HC Sean Payton said Friday he expects him to take the field in Jacksonville. Vilma will be tasked with slowing Maurice Jones-Drew, who is averaging 102.3 yards through his first three games.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune suspects the difference could be $22 million per vs. $17 million per. That’s a lot of ground to make up by Monday’s franchise tag deadline. The Saints could free up $5 million by restructuring Will Smith’s contract, and another $11 million by cutting MLB Jonathan Vilma and DT Sedrick Ellis. If the Saints are forced to use the exclusive franchise tag on Brees, they run the risk of losing both Marques Colston and Carl Nicks.

If La Canfora “had to guess,” he thinks MLB Jonathan Vilma will be suspended 4-8 games, DE Will Smith 2-4 games, SS Roman Harper 1-2 games and Packers DL Anthony Hargrove 1-2 games. It’s possible more players will draw bans, of course. It’s also possible that Vilma’s punishment will be harsher than expected.

“In the week of the NFC Championship Game,” Schefter said on NFL Live Friday, “Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma put $10,000 in cash on a table and said ‘this goes to the guy that knocks out Brett Favre.’” Those weren’t Vilma’s exact words, but they were similar, according to Schefter, and he’s sure to be atop the league’s target list for impending discipline. It’s worth nothing that Vilma is due $5.4 million in 2012 and has been discussed as a possible salary cap casualty. We wouldn’t expect him back with the Saints.