According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, the Indianapolis Colts are among the NFL teams that have expressed interest in Atlanta Falcons soon-to-be free agent inside linebacker Paul Worrilow:
Patriots, Lions, Eagles and Colts have expressed interest in Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 4, 2017
Originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2013, the 6’0″, 230 pound linebacker has made 43 starts in the past 4 seasons for Atlanta, recording 242 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.
The 26 year old appeared in 12 games (1 start) for the Falcons last season, finishing with 21 tackles and 2 passes defensed.
Highly regarded for his special teams ability and ‘grit‘ in 2016, Worrilow was the Falcons leading tackler in his previous three seasons with the team. However, he was relegated to a backup role this past season, having to play behind impressive rookie linebacker Deion Jones.
No one will confuse Worrilow for top free agent inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower of the New England Patriots any time soon and rightfully so.
However, it appears that Worrilow could be a candidate to come in for the Colts and compete with returning young inside linebackers Edwin Jackson and Antonio Morrison for a starting job–as the team released veteran starter D’Qwell Jackson earlier this offseason.
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He’s a potential ‘bounce back’ free agent and if nothing else, could provide solid special teams contributions for the Colts–while potentially challenging for a starting job. However, fans hoping for a true ‘star’ at the position may not want to get their hopes up regarding such a signing.