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It appears free agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma was hoping for a homecoming this year, returning to the place where he played college football. The former Univesity of Miami Hurricanes star contacted the Miami Dolphins this offseason to see if the team would have any interest in signing the 10-year veteran, according to a report from the Miami Herald. The Dolphins did not recipricate the interest.
Vilma, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent his first four years with the New York Jets after being selected 12th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He joined the New Orleans Saints in 2008, where he has been for the past six seasons. He sat out all but one game last year with a knee injury, the third straight year Vilma has missed playing time due to injury. He is described as healthy now, though teams will have to scrutinize any physical he is given before signing a contract.
The likely landing position for Vilma is the Dallas Cowboys, who lost Sean Lee last Tuesday to a likely-season-ending ACL tear.