By PFW staff
March 3, 2008

Former Cardinals OLB Calvin Pace

The Jets’ roster overhaul continues. According to ESPN, the Jets inked OLB Calvin Pace to a six-year, $42 million deal on Monday. Of that sum, $22 million is guaranteed. Pace, an unrestricted free agent, had previously spent his entire five-year career with Cardinals. A first-round draft pick out of Wake Forest in 2003, Pace had a career year in 2007, registering 98 tackles, 6½ sacks and an interception, playing outside linebacker in the Cardinals’ 3-4 scheme. From 2003-06 he was largely considered a disappointment as 4-3 defensive end.

The PFW spin

When the Jets tumbled from ’06 playoff participant to ’07 dud, they knew they needed major upgrades if they were to again be regarded among the heavy hitters of the AFC. First to join the fold at the start of the free-agent signing period was Panthers DT Kris Jenkins, who will hold down the fort at nose tackle. Then the Jets landed OG Alan Faneca, widely considered the best guard in the free-agent pool.

Now they bring in Pace, who was among the best defensive free agents remaining. Pace should immediately step into the OLB spot expected to be vacated by UFA Victor Hobson. Pace seems to be a natural 3-4 rush linebacker. At 6-4, 270 pounds, he has the size to hold up at the point and also boasts the necessary agility to cover the flat.

However, Pace isn’t without concerns. He’s been a one-year wonder, and one standout season as an outside linebacker doesn’t completely quell everyone's misgivings after he flopped through his first four years as a down lineman.

The Jets have now made four significant transactions affecting their defensive front seven since free agency began. In addition to adding Pace and Jenkins, the Jets have traded former first-rounders NT Dewayne Robertson (to the Bengals) and ILB Jonathan Vilma (Saints).