Jason Babin Explained
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE
This Wednesday, the Jaguars were able to claim defensive end Jason Babin off of the free agent waiver wire. Only the Kansas City Chiefs stood in their way as the Jaguars stood at the second slot on the priority listing. The waiver wire resets every week with the worst team in the league in first priority going down to the best team. Many writers and analysts projected Babin to be picked up by a playoff contender, yet it was a complete head scratcher when he was picked up by the Jaguars. However, the Jaguars make complete and perfect sense to grab Babin for multiple reasons.
Kansas City passes up on Babin
Babin is a play making defensive up who has delivered a plethora of sacks for both the Titans and the Eagles, both of which play a 4-3 defense. The Chiefs on the other hand play a 3-4 system which use their ends to stuff and contain rather than pass rush. The linebackers are the playmakers in this defense which have seen success in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston who have 6 and 9 sacks a piece. He would not fit the scheme but he would also have a huge contract as a back up. With Kansas City on the cheap side and Hali as a franchise player through 2016, the Chiefs made the right play.
Khan’s open check book
Remember when Shahid Khan came out saying his checkbook was open? Well it’s showing with this move. Babin’s contract has been picked up for the remainder of the season and is a good patch work move for the Jaguars. If Babin decides to opt out after the 2013 season, via this source, Khan still gets fans paying attention for the remainder of this season as well as next season, as it gives the team a better chance to win.
Gene Smith breathing a bit easier
No one would be surprised if Gene Smith gets axed after this season. Since he’s been in charge, he hasn’t been able to put a winning team on the field. Yet with Babin on the field, things might get a bit easier for the fourth year General Manager. The Jaguars have had a resurgence with Henne under center, and a defensive playmaker could let him see the field more often. The Jaguars are tied with the Oakland Raiders with the fewest sacks at 13, and Babin has almost half that many alone with 5.5 this season. If the Jaguars can win a few more games in the final stretch, Smith can possibly buy himself one more season.
The team needs a playmaker
Jason Babin wanted to train in the offseason by running with the bulls. Although it was axed by former coach Andy Reid, it shows what kind of person and player Babin is. The Jaguars’ best end has been Jeremy Mincey for the the past two seasons, and he was paid to prevent him from leaving. Yet the other side needs a threat with Austen Lane and Andre Branch struggling to make plays. The Jaguars also have injuries in the second level as Daryl Smith, Clint Session, Rashean Mathis, Dwight Lowery and Derek Cox have missed time this season.
Patching through free agency
Babin is a patch to the Jaguars, who get a look at a pash rushing specialist for this season and next while the team continues to build through the draft. If Babin stays on the team through 2015, it is because he is making an impact and Babin wants to stay. The move makes sense on multiple levels and it can only make the Jaguars better.
-Antonio Furgiuele