Tony Pauline of draftinsider.net reports that several teams have expressed an interest in OLB Jason Worilds at the NFL Scouting Combine. Pauline writes, “I’m told at least at least a dozen teams here at the combine have expressed great interest in Worilds if he hits free agency.”
The demand for Worilds shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Rotoworld recently ranked him the number two free agent linebacker behind 3 time pro bowler Brian Orakpo. If Orakpo comes off the market, which I believe he likely will do soon, Worilds will likely be considered the top available free agent pass rusher, regardless of Rotoworld’s ranking.
I’ve said before that the team will very much want to get Worilds signed before free agency opens up, the weekend of March 11th, if they truly intend to sign him. They could keep him here in theory by using the franchise tag on him, but they won’t. At an estimated $130 Mil salary cap (it’s been projected as high as $132 Mil recently) the franchise tag for linebackers would be just over $11.3 Mil. That’s just not something the team can afford to do, nor would they likely if they could.
Worilds has said that he would like to stay in Pittsburgh, but suggested that he would only stay if he could be a starter. The odds aren’t in favor of him wearing the Black and Gold next season.
So I read this and frankly do not understand why it’s likely Worilds wont be in Black and Gold. Is it because of the money he will want to be starter?
Yes, the money is what makes his return unlikely. If he truly draws the interest that is expected, the Steelers can’t and won’t get in a bidding war.
If they can’t keep him, it changes the draft for the Steelers dramatically. They either sign a free agent or draft Dee Ford. Ford would be an outstanding addition. There will be some learning curve but you can’t do everything in one year. They could then target Allen Robinson in the 2nd round and a safety in the 3rd ( if they still have that pick ).
I don’t think it will change their draft plans dramatically, Bob. If they don’t re-sign Worilds, they have an issue with depth, which they’ll most likely try to solve inexpensively via free agency, or in the mid/late rounds of the draft.
I love your thinking with Robinson.
What do you think of Dee Ford? I watched the Combine and was really impressed with Gilbert. He would add tremendous speed to the secondary & provide an excellent punt & KO man and has those long arms for defensing passes. Also, are you as curious as I am as to why there seems to be such little activity on the site?
I think Ford would fit well in DL’s scheme, but I don’t think he’s #15 talent. He’s explosive, but he makes me nervous in run defense. I’ve got him as a late day 1, early day 2 prospect. Perhaps with his medical scratch at the combine he’s an option in round 2. I would love it if Gilbert was available at 15. Do you mean activity in the forum? It’s the slowest part of the year, but activity picks back up in March.
Yep, talking about the forum. I rate Gilbert & Dennard a cat’s whisker apart. Gilbert’s speed is what separates them. I’d love to see some speed in the secondary.
Yeah, it’s usually that way at the end of Feb.. Basically mirroring last year at this time. The Draft room has stayed pretty active.
Gilbert’s a much better fit here, IMO. When Dennard can’t rely on physicality, he grabs like no one’s business. He’s better suited in a scheme that focuses on press, IMO. I agree with speed. I know everyone wants big and tall, but there are a couple speedsters who would be good pick ups. Verret for one.