New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma have played pivotal roles on the team’s defense over recent years. However, both veterans are aging and costly and no longer offer as clear of fits in the Saints’ new 3-4 defensive scheme, leading Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com to believe they are candidates to be cut this offseason.

The Saints are currently attempting to restructure the contracts of Smith and Vilma in order to retain the veteran defenders. Smith totaled six sacks in 16 games last season, while Vilma totaled 37 tackles and one sack in 11 contests. Both players will be over 30 at the start of the 2013 season and command hefty salaries at this point.

Rather than work out new deals to keep Smith and Vilma in the fold next season, Rosenthal believes the Saints would be better off cutting ties with the veterans and targeting players that will better fit the team’s new 3-4 scheme.