Westerman says signing wasn’t about the money
When he played for the New York Jets in 2011, head coach Rex Ryan referred to Jamaal Westerman as a designated pass-rusher because, in the NFL with its larger rosters, some guys are specialists.
Although Westerman recorded a quarterback sack in his first NFL game, the 2009 season-opener at Houston, he had never heard of the term.
Today, all these years later, Westerman has displayed an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis.
That’s why the 32-year-old was one of the most coveted CFL free agents this week — and why Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed considered signing Westerman to be his top priority.
“People just talk about the passrush or sacks. Those are great stats and are definitely ways to affect the game,” Westerman told the Montreal Gazette Thursday by telephone from his winter home in Toms River, N.J. “Of course, you want to be able to get to the quarterback ... but just relying on sack numbers tends to mislead things or (make them) a little bit inflated.”
Reed virtually redesigned the Alouettes defence over 24 hours this week, signing rush-end Westerman along with four defensive backs — Tommie Campbell and Mitchell White, a pair of corners, along with Joe Burnett and Dominique Ellis.
Westerman signed a two-year deal worth a reported $250,000 annually. If that figure’s accurate, combined with the lack of a veteran quarterback, it could make the non-import the Als’ highestpaid player.
Even if that figure is slightly inflated, it’s a lot of money to pay a non-quarterback.
But among the Als’ numerous shortcomings last season — when they finished with a 3-15 record — was a lack of pressure on the quarterback.
Montreal players produced a league-low 25 sacks, the majority coming from John Bowman, who had a team-leading nine.
Toronto and Calgary, which met in the Grey Cup, each recorded 50 sacks.
“I haven’t had to make many decisions based on money. This one wasn’t. Everyone was around the same area, here or there, with the money,” Westerman said.
“It wasn’t ( based on) where’s the most money (or) I want the most money.”
Instead of making a quick decision when free agency began Tuesday at noon, Westerman took his time and weighed his options.
He spoke to coaches and players, he said, and had a long conversation with Reed, who reportedly flew to New Jersey that day.
Reed, according to Westerman, spoke about his visions for building the team, was honest about the Als’ problems, why they occurred and how he plans to address them.
“This decision is so important,” Westerman said. “As an athlete, the unknown is kind of scary. Free agency moves so quick and guys are used to instant gratification. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk. It was eye-opening. They have a plan, an idea where this franchise is going. They didn’t win last year, but this is why.
“I don’t think there’s added expectations or pressure. Nothing will change,” he added. “I’m not saying the money thing means nothing; that would be a lie. But there’s no difference between the work ethic of the highest-paid quarterback in the league and the guy just trying to make the team, making the minimum.
“I’ve been lucky. I never really have had to talk about money or make money a priority. It was a difficult decision. I tried to make an informed, smart decision.”
Although born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Westerman’s mother is Canadian and the family moved to Brampton, just outside Toronto, when he was in high school, qualifying him as a non-import.
Signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent, he spent three seasons with the team before bouncing around the NFL, spending time with Miami, Arizona, Indianapolis, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Westerman signed with Winnipeg in 2015. In 17 games that season, he registered 17 sacks and was the West Division’s nominee as outstanding Canadian. He was limited to 11 games in 2017 before suffering a season-ending arm injury. In 47 career CFL games, Westerman has 118 tackles, 32 sacks and has forced four fumbles.
While he’ll be reunited in Montreal with older brother Jabar, a fellow defensive lineman, Westerman also leaves one of the league’s most successful teams — the Bombers had a 12-6 record last season.
“My first year in Winnipeg, we won (five) games. In the CFL ... this time last year no one felt Toronto would be the Grey Cup champs,” he explained.
“They had a new general manager and head coach coming back from the NFL. They had some turmoil. They found a way and battled through adversity.”
Meanwhile, the Als are in the mix to sign Canadian middle linebacker Henoc Muamba, released this week by Saskatchewan before being owed a reported $35,000 offseason bonus on Thursday.
The Als have been on a freeagent spending spree this week and Muamba, who earned $225,000 in 2017, won’t come cheap.
He signed with Montreal in 2015 and played the final four games only to be released the following February, being owed a $55,000 bonus payment.
Numerous teams will be bidding for the 28-year-old’s services, including Toronto and Winnipeg. Jim Popp, now with the Argonauts, was the GM who signed him in Montreal. And it was the Blue Bombers who made him the first overall draft choice in 2011.