To the surprise of just about no one, the Steelers may have to get into a bidding war to try and keep the services of linebacker Jason Worilds this offseason.
Scott Brown of ESPN reports that the black and gold are going to allow Worilds to test the free agent market before they try and bring him back in 2015.
The Steelers could use the transition tag on the 26 (he’ll be 27 March 3rd) year old, but unlike last season it doesn’t sound like they are going to go that route.
If the Steelers did tag Worilds, he could still ink with another club and then it would be up to the Steelers to match the offer.
Worilds tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks last season.
GM Kevin Colbert spoke today at the NFL combine about the linebacker, stating they are not sure what the future holds between the Steelers and Worilds.
“He understands that if he doesn’t get tagged, which we could still do, he will explore the market and see what is out there,” Colbert said.
“We will stay in communication. Maybe he comes back. Maybe he moves on. But he’s been a good player for us and we would love to have him back if it all fits.”
Worilds would cost the Steelers a whopping $11.7 million with the franchise tag in 2015, a move the team isn’t willing to make with him.
As of now, the only outside linebacker that is a for sure to return in 2015 is Jarvis Jones, as both James Harrison and Arthur Moats are also unrestricted free agents.
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DrGeorge
February 18, 2015 at 6:57 pm
This is the move the Steelers would have made last year if they hadn’t gotten themselves in a bind at OLB. Worilds is a good player, and I mean no disrespect in saying this, but $11.7 million buys a lot of talent. Colbert knows that. He is doing the right thing for the team. In today’s NFL, each position has an average value; pay more than that, and you short-change your team. The present rules actually favor veteran turnover to ensure parity. We have already seen this same scenario play out on other teams since the Super Bowl. It is nearly impossible to keep a group of veteran players together these days. For each team, every year truly is different.
DaveB.
February 19, 2015 at 6:09 am
I think its fairly obvious the Steelers are not going to resign Jason Worilds . Frankly , for what they have gotten in return I dont think it will be that big of a loss . He has never consistently shown the Steelers that he can be a standout on every game basis . For what he was paid last year and to only get seven sacks in return its an investment the Steelers lost on . Lastly , everytime the team has tried to talk contract with Worilds and his agent , the talks have gone nowhere . He obviously is looking for alot more than the Steelers are willing to give him . With the production totals , who can blame them .