Nov 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox (21) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) in overtime at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Two of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ more prominent free agents this offseason have now found jobs elsewhere.  Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton has been reunited with former Jags head coach Jack Del Rio, now defensive coordinator, in Denver.  Cornerback Derek Cox has found a spot with the San Diego Chargers, presumably replacing Antoine Cason.

Knighton was expected to get a big deal to remain with the Jaguars after cutting weight during his contract year, but with the replacement of the front office with GM Dave Caldwell, Knighton’s shot at staying with the team greatly diminished.  Knighton was outplayed in 2012 by rotation man C.J. Mosley and has had his motivation questioned at times.  When he is on his game he is a very good defensive tackle.  When he is not on his game, however, he is not nearly as effective.  Knighton and the Broncos have agreed on a two year deal for $4.5 million.

Cox, a starter since being brought to the Jaguars in 2009, has struggled with injuries throughout his career.  He can be a shutdown corner at times and seems to be on the verge of jumping to elite status, but he has remained just an above average corner over the last two seasons.  That, combined with his injuries, allowed the Jags to see letting Cox walk as a move they could handle.  Cox has signed a four year deal with the Chargers worth $20 million.

I can handle seeing both Knighton and Cox walk away in free agency.  They can both be replaced in this draft, possibly with better players.

- Luke N. Sims

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Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Terrance Knighton signed a two year $4.5 million contract with Denver yesterday. He will reunite with former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio. Derek Cox signed a four year $20 million contract with San Diego yesterday as well. Cox and Knighton were the two most important free agents on the Jaguars roster.

The overhaul continues! Knighton and Cox were two of the last of the 2009 draft class, but both had solid (not spectacular) careers in Jacksonville. Eugene Monroe is now the lone survivor. Regarding the secondary-another one bites the dust.

I know it seems like we’re losing a lot of talent, but keep in mind that in today’s NFL anyone is replaceable. The roster of a 2-14 being gutted should be of no surprise to anyone. Knighton lost his starting job last season, and Cox spent more time injured than he did on the field.

Some may be panicking a bit about how we’re going to replace all of these players that are leaving the team, and with good reason, but have faith everyone. Caldwell has a plan, and it’s been obvious we’re going in a new direction. This is exactly what the Jaguars need. New GM. New coach. Now it’s time for a new roster.

- David R. Johns

November 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox (21) prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are dangerously thin in the defensive secondary.  They have a number of cornerbacks hitting free agency, chief among them is their best player at the position: Derek Cox.  Cox has been a standout when on the field but has been limited due to injury over the past few seasons, not completing a full season since his stellar rookie campaign.

The Jaguars, realizing their major deficiency after releasing Aaron Ross, are reportedly talking with Cox before he hits the free market at 4:00 pm on Tuesday.  Cox is expected to fetch a larger price tag in free agency so it was expected the Jags would shy away, but if the team could get a deal done early on Tuesday, or even into the early parts of free agency, the team would secure themselves a starting caliber corner that could work in Gus Bradley’s defense.

Getting the deal done early is paramount, because Cox is not expected to sit on the market for long.

Cox’s agent recently said, “Whether it’s 4 o’clock or late at night, I’m not sure. But I do get the impression that it should be pretty quick when it opens. That could change if a couple players might slow the process down.”

The impression I get from that statement is that Cox will not the trend-setter or price-point on which other deals are based, but will get his deal done based on the value of other defensive backs getting deals.  Hopefully there will be a bit more time and the Jags can continue negotiations with their best cornerback, but the team may have to focus on the draft and second-tier free agents in order to replenish the deficiencies developing in the defensive backfield.

- Luke N. Sims

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