In Around The League's list of the top 10 linebackers available in free agency, Gregg Rosenthal pointed out that Jason Worilds of the Pittsburgh Steelers is coming off one of the best-timed contract pushes we've witnessed.
Worilds is tough to evaluate because he couldn't nail down a regular starting position until his fourth season iin the league, but he still responded with seven sacks and 20 quarterback hits in the final eight games of 2013.
It's become evident that Worilds' furious finish will make him a hot commodity once free agency kicks off on March 11.
Greg Bedard of TheMMQB.com recently cited "serious buzz from teams" that are growing excited to see a "rising, versatile and young" pass rusher like Worilds reach the open market.
ESPN's Adam Caplan reported last week on "NFL Insiders" that as many as six to eight teams could enter the chase for Worilds.
With Greg Hardyalready off the market and Brian Orakpopossibly following suit Monday, it won't be long before Worilds is viewed as the most attractive edge rusher available.
Rosenthal told me two weeks ago that Worilds would draw at least 80 percent of Paul Kruger's five-year, $40 million deal with $20 million in guarantees. I should have listened.
The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" works through our top 101 free agents and responds to some heat from Donte Whitner.
