Medium Splash: Eagles Can Improve Without Breaking the Bank
By Dave Searles
Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs for a first down during the second half of their game past Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds (93) at MetLife Stadium. The Steelers defeated the Jets 19-6. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
5) Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers Outside Linebacker
Size remains a factor when looking at outside linebackers. Trent Cole isn’t undersized by any means, but he’s also not getting any younger. I don’t expect the Eagles to make a major push at top free agent outside linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Redskins, but Jason Worilds of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a signing that takes the Eagles to the next step of their 3-4 tenure. Similar in stature to 2010 first round pick and linebacker-convert Brandon Graham at 6’2 and 262 pounds, Worilds finished 2013 with 63 tackles and eight sacks. If the Eagles decide to trade Brandon Graham and are set on giving Trent Cole intense competition for his job, Worilds is the type of player who just might be the guy to take it from him. This would likely be the largest contract necessary for the Eagles given the premium the league places on pass rushers.