However, the Redskins' bigger concerns are at middle linebacker -- where some believe they already have an agreement in principle with Buffalo's London Fletcher-Baker on a long-term contract -- and cornerback, where they're expected to make a serious run at the Bills' Nate Clements. With most of the Redskins' 31 rivals having many more millions more to spend and not much talent available, it promises to be a seller's market that will bid up the prices for top free agents. If the Fletcher-Baker deal isn't consummated and Clements opts to sign elsewhere, the Redskins could trade for middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who struggled when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2006, and cornerback Dre Bly, who wants out of Detroit and whom the Lions are shopping. Cornerback Fred Smoot, a Redskins starter from 2001 to 2004, also would be a possibility if, as expected, he's cut by Minnesota after two contentious seasons with the Vikings.
That would be awesome. By the way, this article is complete shit. As much as Washington loves to spend, they have NO cap room this year. They are not going to be making any big free agency moves. All they can do is trade away their 1st rounder, which would be risking a fan revolt because they would have no picks left.
The Washington Times is a right-wing looney newspaper owned by the Moonies. Nothing that they write ever has any passing semblance to reality unless they've just talked to Dick Cheney and then the only correlation is to his right-wing looney alternate reality.
If we trade Vilma to the Redskins the package back should include Anthony Montgomery. 6'5" 312 lbs SUMMARY Montgomery is a strong and athletic defensive tackle with the rare ability to be an impact player as a 2-Gap stay-at-home defensive tackle or as an explosive gap-shooting defensive tackle. He needs to improve his consistency playing with leverage and aggressiveness in order to consistently play up to his ability in the NFL because right now he is not nearly as effective at the point of attack when he gets up high and is not aggressive with his hands. What you have to like most about Montgomery is that, unlike most very athletic defensive tackles, he consistently hustles and chases hard after the ball from snap to whistle -- usually his hustle is seen more in over-achieving defensive tackles who are limited athletically. He is going to be a high draft pick because he offers the versatility to be very productive in any type of defense and will be able to start and contribute early in his career -- he will be just as effective playing defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He will be able to make an impact rushing the passer, on inside runs and chasing down ball carriers on runs away. STRONG POINTS Montgomery is a unique defensive tackle with the combination of very good athleticism and playing strength. His instincts and foot quickness help him to consistently burst off the ball -- he's almost always the first defensive lineman moving at the snap and gets on top of the offensive linemen fast. He has the strength to stack the point of attack vs. run blocks, and can shed and make tackles on runs at him. His ability to burst off the ball and his playing strength enable him to consistently drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap when he bull rushes aggressively. His quick feet and agility help him to defeat one-on-one pass blocks easily. He reads outside runs quickly, gets to full speed fast and chases down running backs in backside pursuit consistently well. WEAKNESSES Montgomery is taller than ideal for a defensive tackle and when he does not bend his knees and play with leverage, he can be pushed around at the point of attack. While he has a very well-built lower body, he needs to bulk up a little bit in his upper body. When he does not attack the offensive linemen aggressively, he does not defeat their blocks consistently.
Nah man, I love Vilma. he will only get better in that 3-4 under his belt for one season. Plus if we sigh joey porter who knows the 3-4 already it's over
If we could trade Vilma away to Washington it would not be for draft picks, at least not for this years draft. Washington as it is is looking for a way to get another pick or two in this years draft as I believe they only have three or four. The trade would most likely consist of Vilma for either Portis or Betts and a draft pick or picks from next years draft thrown in, depending which back we would aquire.
Don't know if anyone cares, but a poster on the "other" forum who has many legit sources in the NFL (he says he does, and all of the rumors he posts are correct) says the Jets are shopping Vilma big time.
The market for Vilma is very limited at the moment. Denver, Washington, maybe a couple of other 4-3 teams that have hidden problems in the middle. I doubt very much that Vilma goes anywhere before draft day and I'd be surprised if he moves then. He has talent and real value but MLB is a stocked position in the NFL right now. Lots of good ones and lots of young alternatives waiting for a shot. The Jets could trade him if they were willing to take a discount on his value. They're not going to do that. At the end of the season it was 50/50 whether or not he'd be on the Jets next season, now I make it out to be 85/15 or better.
Vilma is a young MLB in the NFL right now. He is not even close to his prime yet. I am a Vilma fan, and would hate to see him go. I think it would be easy to shop Vilma to a new location, but speed bumps would always slow down this process when dotting the "I's" and crossing those "T's". I hope you are right though.
Just take a look at who the MLB's in the 4-3's are right now. Every team seems to have a solid vet or somebody they drafted on the first day in the last couple of seasons. The Jets could definitely trade Vilma if they were willing to not get full value but I don't read that as their intent right now. They want to get bowled over by an offer and that's not happening. Mangini and Tannenbaum are smart enough to know that it would be a bad move both in the lockerroom and with the fans to give Vilma up for less than his full perceived value. That makes a trade in this market unlikely unless the Redskins are in wheeler-dealer mode. Denver's deal for Dre Bly probably takes them out of the running too.
