Calvin Pace had a career year in 2013, and the Jets hope to bring him back in 2014.
The Jets met with Pace’s representatives at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week and are hoping to re-sign the outside linebacker, according to a source.
Pace, who will become a free agent on March 11, will turn 34 in October, but he thrived last year in a rebuilt Jets defense alongside Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. Pace had a career-high 10 sacks, second on the team to Wilkerson’s 10.5.
The Jets released Pace last February to save some money against the salary cap, but ended up bringing him back on a cheaper deal in April. It is unclear how much money it would take to keep Pace. He played for $1 million last year and is likely looking for a bit of a raise.
If Pace does want more money, he cannot sign a new deal until after free agency starts on March 11. Players who played for the minimum salary cannot be extended for anything more than the minimum.
Jets coach Rex Ryan was not shy about his feelings on Pace at the combine, but Ryan wanting a player back does not always mean the front office will agree. On this one, they seem to.
“With Calvin, he knows our system so well,” Ryan said. “It’s such a comfort level for me that way, but when you guys asked me about who’s the most improved player — clearly, Geno was an improved player. You can see that statistically. But how about Calvin Pace? I don’t care how old Calvin was. He had 10 sacks. He had a tremendous year. It just goes to show you that even though his age [is] what it is … he still through his work ethic and everything else was able to improve. That’s exciting to me. He is our own player right now. He’s still a Jet until somebody tells me otherwise. I can actually comment on him. We’d love to have Calvin back.”
Pace is one of just two defensive players, along with linebacker David Harris, who have been with the Jets for Ryan’s entire five-year tenure as head coach. Pace originally signed with the team in 2008 when Eric Mangini was still the head coach.