New Orleans Times-Picayune beat writer Mike Triplett reports that the Saints have no intention of releasing LB Jonathan Vilma despite signing Curtis Lofton to a five-year deal last night.
Rumors surfaced that Vilma would be released by the Saints at some point before the draft following the addition of Lofton but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
“(Vilma) is still a big part of our team,” said Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. “A top player and leader for us.”
Loomis believes that both linebackers can coexist because “[Lofton] has the ability to play all three linebacker positions and we feel that he’s just entering the prime of his career.”
Vilma is most likely facing a suspension for role in the Saints “bounty scandal” so decision to sign Lofton was a way for them to ensure that they had an adequate replacement for Vilma, should they lose him for an extended period of time.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
…Seriously?!… *shaking my head* How the Hell r we going 2 resign Brees if we don’t alleviate the pressure that the contracts of Vilma & some other players present?! If we do hang-on 2 #51, he’ll have 2 restructure BIG~time!