New York Jets: Potential Free Agent Jason Worilds

Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker

Jason Worilds

(93) reacts after recording a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take another look at a free agent that could potentially be on the New York Jets radar.

The Jets have the opportunity to start filling the holes on their roster on March 10th, when the free agency period begins. With over $50 million of cap space to play with, the Jets could sign multiple impact players.

More from The Jet Press

There has been much talk about the need for an impact pass rusher. Most of the focus has been on the three big names in the NFL Draft, Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler, and Randy Gregory. But, what about the free agency class?

With Justin Houston afforded the franchise tag by the Chiefs, the biggest star at this position is off the table. But, there are others available, and we are going to talk about one in particular this morning.

This morning, we are looking at Jason Worilds, outside linebacker, previously of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Next: Career Stats

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle

Gosder Cherilus

(78) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds (93) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the career stats to date for Jason Worilds:

Defense & Fumbles

Jason Worilds is an excellent pass rusher. Worilds has posted 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons, only 1/2 sack less than DeMarcus Ware and 3.5 sacks less than Von Miller, just to give a couple of comparisons.

Worilds can consistently get to the quarterback, which is something the Jets did better in 2014, but not in a big spot. A guy like Worilds would be beneficial to getting a big sack when the Jets need one the most.

Next: PFF Grades

Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) is congratulated by defensive end

Cameron Heyward

(97) after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback

Brian Hoyer

(not pictured) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s look at the nitty-gritty with Pro Football Focus.

Jason Worilds posted an overall grade of 11.7, equaling the mark of Chandler Jones, and far ahead of Clay Matthews, who only posted a 6.7. Worilds is a pass rush specialist, as we have noted, and it showed with a pass rush grade of 11.9. His only real negative is pass coverage, with a grade of -0.7. That could make Worilds a liability in certain situations, although he plays all downs at this point.