Saints, Vilma agree to 5-year, $34 million deal
The New Orleans Saints had to wait until today to re-sign LB Jonathan Vilma to a new contract, otherwise it would have cost them a higher draft pick as compensation to the Jets. And, in turn, to the Giants from the Shockey deal.
So the Saints waited until today to sign Vilma to a 5-year contract worth $34 million with $17 million guaranteed.
So the Saints waited until today to sign Vilma to a 5-year contract worth $34 million with $17 million guaranteed.
"We made re-signing Jonathan our top priority, and this is an important first step as we prepare for the 2009 season," General Manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "Jonathan proved he could come back from his injury and play at a high level and we expect the same or better from him starting this season."Vilma led the Saints in tackles with 151 and all 11 defensive starters are returning from last year.
