According to ESPN’s Scott Brown, who covers the Steelers, linebacker Jason Worilds will enter free agency.
Jason Worilds is headed for free agency http://t.co/wYlJ5YXeaW
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) February 18, 2015
Worilds, who was brought back last year via the transition tag, saw his numbers dip last year, as he recorded 7.5 sacks (one-half less than 2013) and 41 tackles (down from 43 in 2013) in five more starts.
Just because Worilds will enter free agency doesn’t mean that the Steelers can’t bring him back or even tag him again.
“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, according to Brown’s report. “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.”
Last year, Worilds was paid over $9 million after signing the one-year tag, and according to Brown, that number would go up to $11.7 million this year, if the team decided to tag him.
Worilds can test free agency when it begins March 10, and the Steelers are already expected to let Ike Taylor walk. Veterans James Harrison, Brett Keisel, Arthur Moats and Troy Polamalu could be on their way out, as well.
