Terrance Knighton: A Smart Play for the Jaguars

Source: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the coming of free agency, Jaguars GM David Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley will need to decide which, if any, of the Jaguars FAs to re-sign. One of the most important players I believe that should be re-signed is Terrance Knighton. Knighton, or more frequently known as “Pot Roast,” was drafted in the third round of the 2009 draft, and filled the role that was eventually made with the release of John Henderson.

Knighton made a significant impact during his rookie campaign, accounting for 45 tackles, 34 of which were solo, and 1.5 sacks, solidifying his status on the defensive line. Since his rookie year, Knighton’s total tackles have gone down, but only slightly. In 2011 Knighton was slowed by injuries, playing in only 13 games, while in 2012 he lost his starting job to C.J. Mosley.

When one compares C.J. Mosley’s numbers and those of Knighton’s during the 2012 season, one will notice that they were not that different. Mosley recorded 45 tackles, of which 36 were solo, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries. Knighton on the other hand recorded 32 tackles, of which 20 were solo, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, all of which while behind Mosley in the depth chart.

The common belief in 2012 was that Knighton was not playing as well as he had in 2011, yet the numbers tell a different story. In 2011 Knight recorded 29 tackles, of which 17 were solo, and zero sacks and zero force fumbles/recoveries. Now called me crazy but 2012 was an improvement. Numbers do not tell the whole story of Knighton’s overall play but they cannot be ignored.

With a new GM and coaching staff, Knighton deserves a chance to regain his starting role under Gus Bradley and his style of the 4-3 defense. Just thinking of what Bradley and his charisma could do with Knighton makes me smile. Frankly, I believe that Bradley could help turn Pot Roast into a clear-cut Pro Bowler.

The only catching point with re-signing Knighton is money, how much will he want, and more importantly, how much will Khan/Caldwell be willing to give him. Let us hope that the Jaguars can re-sign Knighton for a reasonable sum and that Bradley can help turn Pot Roast into sirloin streak.

-Kyle Messina