RealGM

The Jets may be on the verge of filling the gigantic hole in the middle of their 3-4 defense with a Pro Bowler.

Although free agency starts tomorrow, the Jets have been in trade talks with the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions the past several days regarding Pro Bowl defensive tackles Kris Jenkins and Shaun Rogers, respectively, according to two people familiar with the Jets' intentions.

The two people requested anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the negotiations.

The Panthers and Lions are believed to be interested in Jets middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Jenkins, 6-4, 350 pounds, or Rogers, 6-4, 345 pounds, would seem to be the perfect tonic for the Jets' ailing run defense, which ranked 29th in the NFL last season.

Jenkins, a three-time Pro Bowler, is considered the better and more motivated player. Rogers, however, is a two-time Pro Bowler. Both are entering their eighth season.

Vilma, who has been given permission to seek his own deal, was in Detroit yesterday taking a physical, The Star-Ledger confirmed last night. Vilma, the 2004 defensive rookie of the year, missed the final nine games of this past season following knee surgery.

In addition to Vilma, the Panthers also may be interested in nose tackle Dewayne Robertson or draft picks. Vilma, however, seems the likely target because Carolina recently cut middle linebacker Dan Morgan (repeated concussions) and are looking for someone to replace him.

The Jets are shopping Vilma and Robertson, both of whom are ill fits in their 3-4 scheme. A team spokesman declined to comment last night.

When healthy, Jenkins is regarded as one of the most dominant interior linemen in the league. He would require constant double teams, a must for any successful 3-4 defense.