With the news that Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds is set to enter the free-agent market, the Steelers will not have some difficult decisions to make as they prepare for the 2015 season. For the Steelers, the decision to allow Worilds to determine his open market value when he officially becomes a unrestricted free agent on March 10 is not a big surprise. Already facing some significant salary cap issues, the decision to retain the pass-rushing specialist is not an easy one to make.
That’s because the Steelers are faced with two possible scenarios that keep Worilds in the fold next season; The first is to place the franchise tag on Worilds for a second consecutive season. Last year, the Steelers spent $9.75 million to tag Worilds, and this season that number could upwards of $12 million. Though Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has not ruled out this option, it seems highly unlikely that the team will spend that kind of money on a player who had 7.5 sacks last year.
The other option is to sign Worilds to a long-term deal that would be more team friendly and would provide a guaranteed signing bonus for the linebacker. If Worilds is going to be a Steeler next season, this will almost certainly be how. There is some risk to this approach, the most obvious being that if Worilds shops the open market, it’s possible another team will make an offer the Steelers will not match. For instance, a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, who are rumored to have strong interest in Worilds (and lots of cap space) could put an offer on the table too rich for the Steelers, and that is a real possibility.
So if the Steelers do lose Worilds to free agency, what are some possible options?
“Internal” options:
With only Jarvis Jones under contract next season, the Steelers have to fill a number of spots at OLB. Two options are players that were with the team in 2014 but are still unsigned; Arthur Moats and James Harrison.
The 26-year-old Moats came to the Steelers after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he played mainly inside linebacker. Moats did yeoman’s work and started nine games last season at outside linebacker, registering four sacks, forcing two fumbles and had 24 total tackles. Moats brings flexibility to the linebacking corps, but is likely a limited upside player. The idea of him coming in as a full-time replacement for Worilds is probably a stretch, as Moats is better suited as a reserve if he’s back in 2015.
Harrison was brought back to Pittsburgh after a one year hiatus due to an injury to Jones that essentially cost him his season. Though clearly not the player he once was, the 36-year-old Harrison provided a spark to a pass rush desperate for help. Harrison registered 4.5 sacks in a limited role that included four starts, and showed flashes of the player that was arguably the most feared pass rusher at his position at his peak.
The question now is can Harrison ramp it up for another year? Can he make at impact and stay healthy for a full season in which he will be 37? It’s a lot to ask, but it seems like Harrison has some interest in one more year, do the Steelers feel the same?
Options via free agency:
The market for true 3-4 OLB’s who can rush the passer is limited, but three of the more prominent names entering free agency Brian Orakpo, Jabaal Sheard and Pernell McPhee.
The 28-year-old Orakpo would probably be naming his price if it was not for one simple issue; injuries. Simply put, when healthy, Orakpo is a difference maker who consistently gets pressure on the quarterback. In four seasons where Orakpo was able to play full seasons, he totaled 38.5 sacks. The problem is Orakpo has missed 24 games in the past three, including a torn pectoral muscle in October that cost him nine games.
Former University of Pittsburgh standout and Cleveland Brown Sheard is an interesting option. Sheard turns 26 in May, and is a solid combo OLB who can do solid work defending the run and pressuring the quarterback. In 2011 as a rookie, had 8.5 sacks and might just thrive in the 3-4 scheme the Steelers use.
The Ravens Pernell McPhee is probably the most intriguing option for the Steelers. Despite of playing in a limited role behind pass rushing ends Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, the 26-year-old McPhee registered 7.5 sacks and looks like a player who could thrive as a full-time player. Additionally, taking away a talented young player such as McPhee from the hated Ravens is an added bonus.
The draft:
For those of you who are set on drafting a cornerback in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, you may want to stop reading. With Worilds very likely moving on via free agency, there is a distinct possibility that the Steelers may once again draft a linebacker in the first round for the third straight year. Please don’t shoot the messenger, but it’s a real possibility. If they do, here’s some possibilities:
Clemson’s Vic Beasley is a pure speed rusher who might fit perfectly in the Steelers’ scheme. One of the top athletes at any position, the 6’3, 235-pound Beasley had the most sacks in Clemson’s history with 29 for his career, and was dominant against top competition. There are some concerns about his size and his competitiveness play in play out, but he has popped up on some mock drafts as the Steelers choice.
Kentucky’s Alvin Dupree is another rushing specialist mentioned as a possible Steeler draft target. Dupree has great size (6’4, 264) and is a terrific athlete. Thrived playing on some poor teams with the Wildcats, and held his own against top SEC competition. However, there are some (including yours truly) who feel he fits better in the 4-3 scheme as a hybrid defensive end. Don’t like this option at all for the Steelers.
Virginia’s Eli Harold is a player to keep an eye on. A lot of mocks have him slipping into the second round, but the 6’4, 250 pound linebacker is a player that seems like a Steeler type. I would not be shocked if they picked Harold, who has a nice blend of speed off the edge, along with a frame that will allow him to handle another 10 pounds of muscle at the next level without hurting his production. Played on a terrific defense at UVA, and has a quick, explosive burst off the snap that could make him a fit with the Steelers.
