The Pittsburgh Steelers will reportedly let outside linebacker Jason Worilds test the open market.
It doesn’t seem like the Pittsburgh Steelers will use the franchise tag on Jason Worilds this time.
The Steelers used the tag on their top pass-rusher in 2014, which drew Worilds a $9.754 payday. That already bloated number will most likely increase even more this season if the team were to choose to tag Worilds. However, with the Steelers completely strapped against the cap, there is no way they would be able to afford that salary.
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So, according to ESPN’s Scott Brown, it seems that the Steelers are prepared to let Worilds hit the open market come March 10 when the NFL free agent market opens. Worilds will be one of the most coveted pass-rushers in the free agent market, along with Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston. That is, if the Chiefs don’t choose to tag Houston before March 10.
Jason Worilds started all 16 games for the Steelers in 2014, compiling 59 tackles (39 solo), 7.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. He also had 2 passes defensed with 1 interception.
Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert calls Worilds an ‘ascending player’ and he would obviously love to keep him. Worilds is just 26 and has developed into the Steelers top pass-rusher and one of their most dominant players on defense. He was one of just few bright spots on a Pittsburgh defense that is a shadow of it’s former self. If they Steelers are not able to retain Worilds and lose him to free agency, their pass-rush will be virtually non-existent next season. The only other pass-rusher they have on their current roster is Jarvis Jones, who will be entering just his third professional season.
Pittsburgh has been trying to restructure some player’s contracts to provide immediate cap relief, such as offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert and safety Mike Mitchell. Whether it be restructuring players contracts or possibly releasing some players, they will need to figure out something to free up some cap space so they can stay competitive with the bids Jason Worilds will be receiving from other teams. The Steelers can’t afford to lose basically their only pass-rusher.
H/T Kevin Patra Around the NFL
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