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Why Paul Posluszny is so important to the Jaguars

By Justin Moore

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Paul Posluszny entered the 2014 season with high expectations, as he posted career high numbers in tackles and sacks in the previous season. Unfortunately his 2014 season was cut short to only 7 games due to a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Despite last season’s injury, Posluszny has not had an injury problem in Jacksonville as he only missed 1 game in his first 3 seasons with the Jaguars. Although injuries could have been a big reason why he was let go by the Buffalo Bills he’s lived up to his potential with the Jaguars. He’s been an absolute tackle machine as he racked up 420 tackles and 7 interceptions in his first 3 seasons with the Jags.

However these great numbers are worth a pretty penny as Posluszny is responsible for $9.5 million of the Jaguars cap room this season. His contract alone is a huge reason why some fans would like to him to be released but the Jags don’t seem interested in doing so. They did add former 49ers linebacker Dan Skuta but he wasn’t signed to replace Posluszny by any means.

Jaguars.com writer John Oehser had this to say about the issue, 

"Posluszny’s future has been a hot topic among Jaguars followers at the end of each of the past two seasons. His salary is large and his salary cap number is, too, but Posluszny made it clear at the end of last season he wanted to return and Caldwell and Bradley each just as clearly wanted him back."

Why wouldn’t Caldwell and Bradley want to keep him? He’s been the most consistent performer on the Jaguars defense since coming to the team in 2011. He seemed to be on track for another good season with the Jags in 2014 as well as he was leading the team in tackles before the injury.

The numbers are there but the most important thing about Posluszny is the leadership he brings to the Jaguars defense. He is surrounded by young players with tons of potential and his knowledge and leadership can be a huge in key in helping the growth of the Jaguars defense as a whole.

Ask around the Jags locker room, he is loved by his teammates because of his work ethic and constant dedication to play at a high level. Yes, Paul Posluszny is making a high amount of money but the Jags have money to blow and there doesn’t seem to a better option for the Jaguars either. A common idea would be to replace Posluszny with a much younger and cheaper option, but what defense goes to the next level without a veteran leader? Paul Posluszny is the glue to this Jags defense, and there shouldn’t be a reason why that should change in 2016.

Next: Is Dante Fowler the best player in the draft?

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