A Little More On The Jacksonville Jaguars And Free Agent Defensive Backs…

Recently, Mr. Sims wrote a post on the state of the secondary. You can read it here.

Heading into the 2012 season I had several concerns regarding the secondary. It seems those concerns have been thoroughly addressed by Caldwell. I’m a bit surprised at the backlash, however. It seems as if the fan base isn’t necessarily happy regarding the recent moves of releasing Aaron Ross, Dawaan Landry, and not offering Rashean Mathis a new contract.

I’m not surprised one bit. This secondary was downright terrible, and how can one expect it to improve while keeping the same players? For the first time, I trust the front office and have full faith in what they are doing.

Dec 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox (21) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Many are beginning to look at which free agents we could sign starting today at 4:00 pm. I’m right there with them, but I can tell you right now that it’s not going to be a Sean Smith type. As a matter of fact, I’m looking at more of an in house type-Derek Cox. Yesterday the Jaguars reached out to the talented, but injury prone cornerback. The market for Cox is heating up though and if the Jaguars get into a bidding war it’s evident that they won’t break the bank.

I’ve never been a fan of high priced free agents. I’ve always been more of a draft guy, but I believe that talented players should be retained if possible. I for one would be thrilled to have Cox back in our secondary. I’m also looking very much forward to Mike Harris’ further development, and we should be able to keep William Middleton who is a serviceable back up and 4th corner.

Any other needs can be addressed via the draft, and if need be we can sign a mid range free agent for depth. I’m not quite sure what a free agent like Dashon Goldson at safety would demand, but I’m guessing it’s probably more than we’re willing to pay right now. I’m thinking more of a Quintin Mikell or maybe a Gerald Sensabaugh stop gap signing if anything. Who knows though? We definitely have the cap space.

All in all, on this glorious first day of free agency, I’m hoping we can trim the fat, keep guys worth keeping (at the right price), and avoid the feeding frenzy. Free agents don’t save teams…unless you’re Drew Brees or Peyton Manning and those guys are exceptions-not the rule.

-David R. Johns