Former Hokie Jason Worilds Has Earned a Fairly Big Contract

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

Back in 2010, Jason Worilds was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers though he did have much pressure as a starter as a rookie, but was used as a situation player. Worilds was behind LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison on the depth chart at outside linebacker, but once Harrison left after 2012, Worilds got his chance.

In 2013, Jason Worilds showed that he could be a very reliable, starting 3-4 outside linebacker after having 63 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Worilds proved that he could be a very good outside linebacker and that, along with the presence of Jarvis Jones, allowed the Steelers to cut Woodley.

Of course, Pittsburgh had to bring James Harrison back during this season due to injuries to Jones, but Worilds continued to shine with 59 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and 5 stuffs.

Worilds was also clutch in the fourth quarter for the Pittsburgh Steelers this past season with 4 sacks during the fourth quarter of games.

Jason Worilds got the chance to be a starter in the playoffs for the first time this past season though the Steelers went out in the Wild Card Round to the Baltimore Ravens. Worilds did not have the best game with only three tackles against the Ravens, but the experience was good as he continues his development.

Now, Worilds is preparing for the chance to get a significant pay raise in free agency and the fact that he will be only 27 at the start of the next season. Worilds will be wanted by a lot of teams that run 3-4 defenses and are looking for a reliable outside linebackers while other teams may be willing to bring him in as a 4-3 defensive end.

Worilds seems likely to get a three or four year contract with a salary of around $3.5 to 5 million next season. Worilds will benefit from the fact that the NFL salary cap is rising at a significant rate right now, and will definitely have plenty of suitors.

Jason Worilds has done a great job since leaving Blacksburg with the Pittsburgh Steelers and will now get to himself a fairly big contract this offseason.

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