Sep 30, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (center) is upended by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Ross (31) as strong safety Dawan Landry (26) assists during the second quarter at Everbank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-Jaguar cornerback Aaron Ross was recently speaking with NFL AM about his last season spent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  During the course of the interview he said something that made his lack of effort on the field make perfect sense:

It was a nice paid vacation to Florida.

While I was disturbed that Ross was fleecing the Jaguars with his poor play after he signed a big free agent deal to join the team, I didn’t think that his attitude would be so cavalier about the poor play he displayed as a professional athlete.

Ross was one of the first cuts new general manager Dave Caldwell made when arriving in Jacksonville.  At the time Caldwell made it known that he was shaping the roster based on performance and not the money.  With that in mind, it made sense that Ross was cut.  He had lost his starting job to a sixth round rookie and looked lost in nickel coverage.

Ross bounced back to his old team, the New York Giants, shortly after being cut by the Jaguars.  His season of poor play must have hurt his value, however, as he signed just a one-year deal with a team he won two Super Bowls with and started a whole season for just a few short years ago.

- Luke N. Sims

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December 3, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) chases Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran defensive lineman Chris Canty, recently released after four years with the New York Giants, is set to visit with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers following the 2013 NFL Combine.  For a team like the Jags, this is great news.

Canty may not be the headline grabbing, record-setting defensive lineman that Jaguar fans demand, but he is a solid contributor that is better than most current players on the Jags roster.  He has seven sacks over the last two seasons and could improve on that number.  He may just need a change of scenery after only starting nine games after being on the physically unable to perform list until October 21st.

Almost anybody is a good move to rejuvenate a pass rush that ranked last in the league this past season.  Canty can play inside and outside which could make him a versatile addition to the team.  He was Pro Football Focus’ 19th ranked defensive tackle this past season.

As free agency nears, expect the Jags to look at more players that could be contributors as they rebuild.

- Luke N. Sims

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Despite now backing up Colin Kaepernick, Alex Smith is still getting plenty of love and attention from those around the NFL.  Source: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will seek his release this offseason, but where will he go if the Niners let him?  While his fate is in the hands of the organization while they still hold his contract, that $8.5 million he’s due later this year will start to get heavier and heavier the longer they look for a team willing to take on his bloated contract.

While Smith probably isn’t the Messiah for most teams, he could be an immediate upgrade for a number of franchises looking for someone who can at least throw the ball accurately.

So, where will he land via trade or free agency?

Arizona Cardinals

• The Cardinals learned the hard way (thanks Philadelphia) that trading for a highly touted quarterback can bite you in the butt.  While they may not be willing to shell out in a big trade for Smith, you have to think that Arizona would be interested in landing a guy who would make Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, Ryan Lindley, and Brian Hoyer all irrelevant.  For now, don’t expect Arizona to be active in trade discussions but definitely look for them to be waiting if Smith gets released.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Head coach Gus Bradley can’t talk about players currently under contract with other teams, but you’ve got to imagine he’d be pretty eager to get a veteran quarterback with some big wins under his belt involved in the quarterback competition he wants.  Bradley just said there are some things he likes about Blaine Gabbert, but it would be tough to deny that Smith would be an upgrade or, at the very least, really good competition that finally pushes Gabbert over the top.  A trade would be a big splash for first-year GM Dave Caldwell but the Jags need to hold onto their valuable players and draft picks as they begin a rebuild.  Like Arizona, the Jags could be very active if Smith is released.

New York Jets

• The Jets may be the most quarterback desperate team in the league.  While Mark Sanchez gave them some wins early in his career, he has since regressed significantly.  Tim Tebow isn’t the answer, and as a much good as Greg McElroy is, he’s probably just a backup.  The Jets probably can’t afford to trade for Smith, but it wouldn’t be shocking if head coach Rex Ryan and the media-hungry franchise tried to get some attention by making the move.

Where else could Smith end up?  Does San Fran have a shot at dealing him?

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims