Jacksonville Jaguars decline fifth-year option for 2013 first round pick Luke Joeckel

The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be taking the next step in moving on from 2013 first round pick Luke Joeckel, declining to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell was dealt a tough hand when he took over the franchise in 2013, as he was tasked with overhauling the worst roster in the NFL. He didn’t have a ton of resources at his disposal right away, considering the 2013 draft class was labeled one of the worst ever, especially at the top.

This was bad news for the Jaguars and their prospects of finding a difference maker with the number 2 overall pick. With all this in mind, Caldwell opted with the “safest” pick in the draft in Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel. The selection seemed like a luxury at the time with Eugene Monroe providing serviceable play at left tackle, but the plan became clear when the Jaguars traded Monroe away mid-season.

Since then, Joeckel has been one of the most inconsistent left tackles in all of football. His 2015 campaign seemed to be a step in the right direction until he was absolutely eviscerated by J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus in a week 17 blowout loss to the Houston Texans.

Unsurprisingly, the Jaguars declined the fifth year option for Joeckel on Monday.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times Union

details what the option would’ve included

if the Jaguars did pick it up:

"Had the Jaguars picked up Joeckel’s option, his 2017 salary ($11.9 million per contract expert Joel Corry) would not have been guaranteed for injury; for example, if he had played this year and been injured, he would have been due that money. Had they picked it up the option and Joeckel remained healthy, the Jaguars could have cut him next March without a salary cap penalty."

The most concerning aspect of Joeckel’s play has been the lack of progress – he hasn’t grown marginally better each year. Pro Football Focus actually thinks Joeckel has gotten worse each year.

Joeckel is in a make-or-break year in numerous ways – he’s in the final year of his contract, the team needs to find adequate protection for franchise quarterback Blake Bortles, and Kelvin Beachum was signed to compete for the starting left tackle spot.

This is it for Joeckel. He needs to get better now or he’s out.