New York Jets Rumors: Calvin Pace Not Returning?

New York Jets Rumors: Are the Jets moving on from longtime outside linebacker Calvin Pace this offseason?

The New York Jets have a very important offseason ahead of them. The Jets won 10 games in the first season under Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles, improving from four in 2014. Things will not be as easy in this offseason, as the Jets are more cap strapped than they were last season.

The Jets have a number of players on their roster that will be free agents, such as Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Chris Ivory. All three players were important to the Jets’ success last season, but there may not be enough money for the Jets to keep them all. The Jets will do everything they can to retain those three players, but one of the players that may not be returning is outside linebacker Calvin Pace.

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ESPN New York beat writer Rich Cimini is one of the people that do not expect Pace to return to the team for the 2016 season. Pace has been with the Jets since 2008, when they signed him away from the Arizona Cardinals. Pace has been a solid pass rusher for the Jets during his tenure with the team, but his time may be coming to an end with Gang Green.

In an article at ESPN New York, Cimini says this about the Pace situation:

"I don’t see Calvin Pace returning, either. He’s had a nice run, but the team wants to improve its front-seven speed, and a 35-year-old linebacker doesn’t help the cause."

This has seemingly been the case for Pace every offseason since 2013, but the Jets signed him to a two-year deal that time around. He has been a player on the roster bubble since then, and it now seems that it will become a reality. The Jets could be a little thin at linebacker if Pace leaves, as Demario Davis is also a free agent.

But, if Pace does not return, expect 2014 third round pick Lorenzo Mauldin to step into the starting spot. Mauldin flashed pass rushing abilities last season and performed well in a limited role; he had 17 tackles and four sacks compared to 22 and three for Pace.

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With an in-house option already on the roster, there is a good chance that Pace will not be brought back. While the Jets will be a little shorthanded in the pass rushing linebacker department, it is an area they were assuredly going to address this season even if Pace was going to be brought back as they need some more youth and athleticism at that position.

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