Jets trade Jonathan Vilma to the Saints, sign Kris Jenkins

The New York Jets traded linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the New Orleans Saints.

Jets trade Jonathan Vilma to the Saints, sign Kris Jenkins The New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma was traded to the New Orleans Saints for an undisclosed draft pick today, the first day of the NFL's free agency period. Vilma, who missed the last nine weeks of last season with an injured right knee, had 118 tackles as a rookie after being the No. 12 overall pick out of Miami in 2004 and was named defensive rookie of the year. The following season Jonathan Vilma led the NFL with 187 tackles and earning a Pro Bowl spot.

While parting with Vilma, the Jets signed defensive tackle Kris Jenkins from the Carolina Panthers, in exchange for third- and fifth-round selections in the coming NFL draft. Jenkins, 6-foot-4, 335 pounds three time Pro Bowl selection defensive tackle, passed the physical and was signed on a $35 million 5-year contract, with about $20 million guaranteed. The New York Jets also gave defensive tackle Sione Pouha a contract extension and progressed toward signing guard Alan Faneca from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Published on 02/29/2008