Buzz: Jets interested in Erik Walden?

According to Brian Costello, the Jets have been showing some interest in former Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden:

The Jets have had talks with free agent LB Erik Walden in recent weeks. A name to keep an eye on. He had 11 sacks for the Colts last year.

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) June 9, 2017

Despite the high sack number last year, Walden is not really a pass rush specialist. Prior to last year, the 10th year veteran had only had more than three sacks in a season once and he's never compiled elite pressure numbers. He's actually more of a Calvin Pace type with the ability to drop into coverage and produce against the run.

It would be surprising if the Jets actually sign Walden, whose age (32 in August) may be the reason he still hasn't been signed. If the Jets showed interest in Walden a few weeks ago then that perhaps predates the decision to dump even more veterans, signifying a full rebuild. Walden would have to be very cheap or a player they'd see as as positive mentor or locker room influence for signing him to make any sense.

We'll update you if they make a move.