Last season, the Saints played under a 4-3 defense with former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. When he was fired and Rob Ryan was hired in his place, head coach Sean Payton announced the team would be switching to a 3-4 defense in hopes of becoming successful in overall defense, something they struggled heavily in last year. The question then became which players would be able to make the switch and would players would eventually get cut because they could not adjust. Many speculated linebacker Jonathan Vilma was first on the chopping block, but Payton believes he still has a place on the team.
Vilma is a traditional 4-3 linebacker. He was highly successful with the New York Jets when they ran under a 4-3 system, but was then pushed out when team switched to a 3-4 under then head coach Eric Mangini. He believed Vilma no longer fit the scheme. Vilma currently weighs in at 230 pounds which is considered undersized for a middle linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. He would be needed to block guards and centers, which can cause a beating on a smaller body.
However, Payton told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he believes Vilma can successfully make the switch. He envisions Vilma playing in a weakside spot with the heavier Curtis Lofton playing the middle position. Payton acknowledged that the new defensive system will require new faces and a lot of work, but he believes players can make the change.
"I think the way that we're going to run this defense and the type of 3-4 that we're running will be such that you saw in Dallas or Houston. There will be some under defensive principles to it. Some reduction, which means that the left guard or weak guard for the offense will be covered at times, and I think that will help a guy like Jon Vilma as opposed to the traditional two-gap 3-4 front that many Giants fans knew back when Bill Parcells was there," Payton said.
The Saints ranked 32nd in defense last season, giving up 440.1 yards per game. They set a single-season NFL record for total yards allowed and ranked dead last in run defense. A change had to be made. With Rob Ryan, the unit should operate better with the changed 3-4 scheme.
Vilma will surely be happy to hear that, but a change in the defensive system is the only reason he risks not returning to New Orleans. Vilma's current contract puts him $14 million over the salary cap. If he plans on staying with the Saints, he will have to take a pay cut.