NFL Free Agency 2011: Jason Babin Could Help New England's Pass-Rushing Problems

Jason Babin, who's coming off of a stellar 13-sack performance in 2010, should be one of the most wanted pass-rushers during the 2011 free-agent period.

Once the NFL lockout is lifted, it's expected that Babin will garner quite the handful of offers from teams that want to lock up his pass-rushing ability. 

Not only is Babin is a solid pass-rusher who averages around five sacks per season, but he's also a very versatile defender, as he's had experience playing with his hand on the ground as an end, and has lined up as a 3-4 outside linebacker; perhaps he's a perfect fit in Bill Belichick's 3-4 defensive system used in New England.

One of the most intriguing traits regarding Babin that Belichick must admire is his familiarity—the experience that Babin has had playing in Dom Caper's 3-4 defensive scheme in Houston, prior to Capers becoming a member of New England's coaching staff. 

It is rumored that Babin is seeking a long-term contract—something that is at least three or four years—and that may be something that Belichick and the Patriots may want to stay away from, considering that Babin recently turned 31 years old. 

However, despite Babin's interest in a long-term deal, he may endure the opportunity that presents itself if New England does send him an offer. Babin would join New England's 3-4 defense as a much-needed veteran that could fit in their rather thin and weak outside linebacker corps and could even be a rotational defensive end.

Babin is a 6'3", 260 lbs. defender that has quickness and power coming from the edge, and he could certainly flourish in New England's 3-4 alignment.

The Patriots could show interest in Babin, but his intentions for a long-term deal may turn New England away. However, if Belichick really believes that Babin could be a stud in his defensive system, then I believe they'll take a legitimate shot at reeling in the former Tennessee Titan.

For more articles like this, check out my blog at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.