New York Jets, Calvin Pace’s agents met yesterday
New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace recorded double-digit sacks for the first time in his career last season, and he is in line for a nice payday after having a career year as a pass rusher in a contract year. Draft insider Tony Pauline reports that the Jets met with Pace’s agents yesterday at the Combine, and this confirms that they still have a high amount of interest in getting a deal done with the 33-year-old. The Jets met with Pace’s reps at the Senior Bowl and have shown plenty of interest throughout the offseason in keeping him, so it isn’t surprising to hear Pauline, who reported their initial meeting at the Senior Bowl, report that the Jets and Pace’s agents have followed up.
Pace didn’t do the best job of putting consistent pressure on the quarterback and may have had a bit of a fluky year, but he still did an excellent job of notching sacks and had a much better year than former first-round pick Quinton Coples. Adding 55 tackles and some decent coverage only helps Pace’s cause, and it will be interesting to see how many years and how much money he gets from the Jets.
I expect the Jets to give Calvin Pace a one-year deal packed with incentives, and he should be a quality starter again for this defense. But the Jets will have to hope Coples banks on his potential and breaks out in this third year in the league, and they should also consider adding Pace’s replacement at OLB.