Sentiment has not been part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playbook ever since owner Shad Khan took control of the franchise less than two years ago.
That much is clear whenever speculation arises on whether hometown hero Tim Tebow could come to a team with a quarterback quandary every bit as muddled as that of the New York Jets. And while Rashean Mathis had a fraction of Tebow’s national recognition, the decision earlier this week by Jaguars management not to re-sign a native son who put in 10 largely productive seasons for them at cornerback sent a message days before the NFL’s free agent signing period begins.
If Mathis’ services are no longer needed, that doesn’t appear to bode well for other over-30 mainstays who were also severely limited by injuries during a season to forget. New general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley can begin addressing some of the many areas of concern well before the Jaguars choose what to do with the No. 2 pick in next month’s draft. They are one of eight teams with at least $25 million in cap space available.
OLB Daryl Smith – He missed all but two games last season because of a groin injury but was remarkably durable throughout his career before that. Teaming him with MLB Paul Posluszny should bring stability to this part of the defense.
FB Greg Jones – A healthy Maurice Jones-Drew is going to need a good lead blocker. Even at his age (31), Jones is among the best at his position.
WR/KR Jordan Shipley – He made enough of an impression over the final six games to merit a closer look, especially given the concussion concerns at the wide receiver position.
OL Eben Britton – He can play both tackle and guard spots, and the Jaguars need someone that versatile up front.
CB Derek Cox – This is the toughest call the Jaguars have to make. Bradley loves cover corners like him, but other teams are more likely to pay him accordingly and overlook his health issues of the past three seasons.
DT Terrance Knighton – C.J. Mosley took over for him in the starting lineup as Knighton’s play tapered off.
C Brad Meester – At 35, it's time for the Jaguars to get a younger man at this position. His situation is similar to Mathis’.
RB/KR Rashad Jennings – It shouldn’t be difficult to find someone more qualified to back up Jones-Drew, either in the draft or free agency.
Defensive line – The Jaguars finished at or near the bottom of the league in sacks and rushing defense. So it comes as no surprise that this position jumps out more than any other.
Offensive line – Except for LT Eugene Monroe, no one’s job is safe.
Cornerback – Mathis is gone, Cox may soon follow, and Aaron Ross was a major disappointment.
Quarterback – Blaine Gabbert hasn’t won over many skeptics. But there aren’t any free agents who stand out at this position, and there isn’t an Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III in the draft.
G Andy Levitre, Buffalo – The decision by the Bills to apply the franchise tag to S Jairus Byrd makes it unlikely for the 26-year-old Levitre to return. Not a sexy choice, but he addresses a glaring need.
DE Cliff Avril, Detroit – Jason Babin was signed toward the end of the season in an effort to shore up the pass rush. He might be a short-term solution, but Avril would be more of a long-term answer.
QB Matt Moore, Miami – It might seem as if the Jaguars are going down the same road they did last year with Chad Henne backing up Gabbert. Not necessarily.
CB Dunta Robinson, Atlanta – The Falcons already let him go halfway through his six-year, $57 million deal. The Jaguars have plenty of others to choose from at this position.
DE Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis – He’s got name recognition but was slipping toward the end of his time with the Colts. Playing outdoors on grass wouldn’t help him either.
CB Aqib Talib, New England – Supremely talented but not worth the aggravation off the field. Just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
