Saints FS Darren Sharper to the Jaguars?

In a recent Pro Football Talk article, writer Gregg Rosenthal brought up that Sharper was planning on coming back for another season. Will it be his last? It doesn’t say, but I can tell you this much: Darren Sharper would be a tremendous upgrade to the Jaguars secondary. Ignore all the “mentor” stuff. His on-field play might be slower and might be slightly less effective than during the Saints Super Bowl run, but there really is no argument that Sharper is less of a safety than anyone on the Jaguars roster. If I’m GM Gene Smith, this would help me sleep at night. After all, Smith tried to hire Sharpers services before.

In April of 2010, Sharper visited the Jaguars. It was later reported that Sharper received a better offer from the Jaguars than from the Saints. In the end, Sharper’s loyalty and the possibility of a second championship run returned him to the Saints where he had microfracture knee surgery and a mostly ineffective season compared to years past.

When asked about playing football in 2011, Sharper told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that it was “…something I don’t definitely have to do…I want to”. That’s heart Ladies and Gentlemen and heart makes plays that talent doesn’t. Sharper is as talented as any free safety of the last 10 years. At this point, only one question remains to ask: Has he fully recovered from the surgery?

“I feel like pre-surgery” Sharper told the Times-Picayune.

That’s an amazing tell if true. He goes on to say that he’s been “pushing it pretty hard, working out harder than most of the young guys out here training.” He also goes on to mention that he has “been able to bounce back the next day”. He apparently has no desire to hold back. Sharper is known for his work ethic, but does that guarantee a roster spot? With cornerback turned free safety Malcolm Jenkins transforming into a star, Sharper could have a harder time securing a roster spot. I’m not sure if the Saints are keen on bringing back former starters.

In the event that Sharper does find himself looking for work, he would be a welcome addition to the Jaguars and would find it easy to unseat current starter Don Carey, who had a woeful 2010 season while going through a position switch.

Random Tupac Quote of the day:

"“Reality is wrong. Dreams are for the real.”"

Let’s dream Sharper to the Jags. It will help me sleep tonight.