Jonathan Vilma Key In New Orleans Saints Defense

source (sportsillustrated.com) On February 29, 2008 the Jets traded Vilma to the New Orleans Saints for a 4th round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and a conditional pick in the 2009 draft. (ultimately a 3rd round pick).  Jets then-head coach Eric Mangini elected to start linebackers Eric Barton and David Harris instead, thus making Jonathan Vilma available. In his first season with the Saints (2008), Vilma was a brightest spot on  a otherwise weak defensive unit. Vilma played in all 16 games, and recorded 132 tackles with one sack. On February 27, 2009, Vilma signed a 5 year, 34 million dollar contract with the New Orleans Saints, making him the main cog in a newly built defensive unit led by defensive coordinator Greg Williams. Since his arrival in New Orleans, Jonathan Vilma has proven he is a true professional and worth every penny and the draft picks the Saints gave up for him. After just 3 seasons with the Saints he has taken his and his teammates game to a new level of respe...