Jets must bring back Calvin Pace for 2016

For the New York Jets, their new-look pass rush should be much more consistent this upcoming season. With that being said, linebacker Calvin Pace should be brought back to provide depth and mentorship to all the new faces.

Make no mistake about it, linebacker Calvin Pace‘s veteran leadership could be very helpful for the New York Jets this upcoming season. With the season still a few months away, the Jets are still looking to make this team even better.

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This offseason the Jets have lost some key players on the defensive side of the football but have brought in some players that could help. One player that they could bring back that is still a free agent is Pace. He began his career in 2008 and has developed into a leader of the team for the past few seasons. He has helped a lot of players hone their craft on this team as he could be brought back on a one-year deal to provide quality depth and leadership in the locker room.

He brings the leadership on and off the field and in the locker room to keep the players focused and playing hard. Even though his numbers regressed these past few seasons, he was able to produce whenever he needed to.

He might not be able to be as productive but he is able to step right in and produce if need be behind all the new young linebackers ahead of him. His age is a concern however as he is 35-years-old and he has been playing for 13 years which is a lot. His body is slowly starting to break down because of how many games and much abuse he puts it through.

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His numbers this season weren’t that impressive as he finished the season with 22 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Compared to what he has done in the past, it’s a bit on the decline but heading into 2016, Pace would thrive in a backup/situational role.

If they are able to bring him back on a veteran contract than that shouldn’t be a problem to accomplish.

Pace still has some gas left in the tank as a one-year deal would be perfect in this kind of role.

The Jets will need to make their team younger and physical in order to compete next season but it’s also important to have veteran leadership to get everyone on the same page.

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Overall, to help the veteran presence on this team, Pace would be a great fit. He has respect in the locker room already for how hard he plays each and every snap as that’s something that is very much needed in order to have a successful team on and off the field.