But this wasn’t just a salary based move.

Last year, Aaron Kampman was, when healthy, one of the best defensive ends on the roster.  He was worth holding out for.  In 2010, he was the best defensive end on the roster – even after becoming injured again, he still had four sacks in eight games.  What about in 2012?

With the emergence of Jeremy Mincey in 2011, the development of Austen Lane, John Chick, and the selection of Andre Branch?  Well, it looks like the Jaguars are in a position they are finally happy about.

Kampman was an insurance policy.  He was the player the Jaguars hopes rested upon in case the strategy of throwing as many defensive ends at the position as possible didn’t work.  Kampman was only seeing spot duties for fear of another injury.

His removal marks a show of confidence in the position that hasn’t been seen in a long, long time.

To the other defensive ends on the roster, it says that the team believes they will be successful in their rotations.

The Jaguars may have lost a leader by cutting Kampman, but they instilled confidence in the other men at the position.  Confidence that should translate into leadership and success.

- Luke N. Sims

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Kampman always remained forward thinking, hard working, and positive during his time in Jacksonville.  Despite only appearing in 11 games in two seasons, the veteran’s presence was felt throughout the organization.  He knew how to disrupt the opponent’s backfield better than anyone on the roster, and I’m willing to bet he provided a significant spark for the emergence of Jeremy Mincey.

Kampman has been well liked in Jacksonville despite his injury history.  I advocated for his cutting a while ago based on injury, despite my love for his play in Green Bay and the benevolent demeanor he had toward those around him.  While the hope that Kampman could overcome his injuries kept him in Jacksonville for two years, inevitably he was not worth the money in his contract.  The $5 million due to Kampman in 2012 would have been too much for a player that may only see the field three times (like he did in 2011).

It really is too bad, because the man was a superb athlete and mentor to a lot of the younger players.  Defensive Tackle Terrance Knighton may have summed it up best when he tweeted:

Aaron Kampman is THE best teammate I ever had. Hate to see him go.

— Terrance Knighton (@Yougotroasted96) June 7, 2012

He may have had only four sacks for the Jaguars over the past two years, but man the guy will be missed!

Good luck to Kampman in all of his endeavors going forward – a class act through and through.

- Luke N. Sims