Jamaal

Westerman

Westerman was non-tendered by the Jets after drawing three late-season starts opposite Calvin Pace. The Dolphins are flush with linebackers, and Westerman doesn’t rush the passer. He’ll play special teams in Miami.

Recovering from a torn groin, Westerman was non-tendered by the Jets after making 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2011. He wouldn’t be a starter for the Dolphins.

A restricted free agent, Westerman initially injured the groin all the way back in training camp. He played all 16 games (three starts) and didn’t realize the injury’s extent until postseason exams. The Jets won’t want Westerman to return as a starter in 2012, but he’s likely to receive a second-round tender.

Incumbent starter Bryan Thomas went down with a torn Achilles in Week 4. The Jets are hoping one of the two runs away with the job after Westerman started once in October and McIntyre started the past three games. Westerman came on in relief last week when Roy Helu began finding open space in the running game.

Westerman appeared in all 16 games for the Jets last season, registering 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks. A run stuffer on defense, Westerman should see the majority of his snaps on special teams.

It’s a potentially career-ending injury for the 10-year veteran, who hasn’t missed a game since 2004. Thomas’ loss is a big blow for a Jets defense that’s failed to generate a consistent pass rush this season while also allowing an uncharacteristic 130.5 yards a week on the ground. Little used three-year veteran Jamaal Westerman should get the first crack at starting opposite Calvin Pace at outside linebacker. It’s also possible Aaron Maybin, who notched his first career sack in his 27th game last evening, could see an increase in snaps.

Thomas hurt his ankle in the first quarter last night and is scheduled for an MRI today. The Jets fear a significant injury, a source tells beat writer Manish Mehta. The Jets can’t afford to lose Thomas, one of their glue guys and only pass true pass rushers. Backup Jamaal Westerman struggled last night.

Signed midway through training camp, Westerman appeared in 12 games, notching nine tackles and 0.5 sacks. He’ll look for special teams work in the offseason.

He’s taking LaMarr Woodley’s roster spot. A fifth-year undrafted free agent, Westerman was waived by the Bills last week. He’s appeared in 21 games over the past two seasons, recording 1.5 sacks. Westerman will provide depth behind Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds.

He’ll be an experienced piece of camp depth, one with an outside shot at cracking the 53-man roster. Westerman has made 59 career appearances, 12 of which came with the Bills last season.