According to Rich Cimini of the Daily News, Jonathan Vilma’s days with the Jets are numbered.

The popular linebacker, whose star has dimmed in two seasons under Eric Mangini, has received permission from the Jets to shop himself for a potential trade, the Daily News has learned. It doesn’t mean a trade is a certainty, but it’s a tacit acknowledgement from both sides that Vilma and Mangini’s 3-4 scheme aren’t a match.

That might be overstating matters a bit. Vilma had been a valuable asset and leader under Mangini, despite his obvious discomfort with the coach’s schemes. In reality, it was the stellar play of rookie David Harris, a more prototypical 3-4 linebacker, in Vilma’s stead that probably sealed the former Pro Bowler’s fate.

It might be a bit difficult for fans to say goodbye to Vilma, however, the news isn’t exactly shocking. Just this past December, user Barbella discussed the very topic in our online forum.

Cimini mentions the Jaguars and Saints as possible suitors for the Jets’ linebacker, who, according to his web site, has begun jogging as part of his rehabilitation from knee surgery and hopes to be running at full speed in a month’s time. It goes without saying that Vilma’s health is critical to any potential deal.

According to RotoWorld, there’s been some “talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma, though that seems unlikely.”