Jacksonville Jaguars: Key Players Heading Into Contract Seasons

Paul Posluszny is heading into his last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Posluszny has been at the helm of the defense for six years and is entering his seventh year, an additional year due to his revised contract in 2015. The 32-year old linebacker is the oldest member of the defense as well as a three-year captain for the team. Posluszny has made  an impact for the team even through the rough 22-74 record in his six years.

In his tenure as “quarterback” of the defense he has managed to set the single season record for tackles (231) and is currently second all time for tackles (904) for the franchise.The last two seasons he has led the team in tackles proving even with age he still remains an asset to the defense.

Posluszny should head into 2017 healthy and once again a viable option to re-sign. Age may catch up to him in the coming years of his career, however he is coming off his first 16-game season since 2012 and had a renaissance year. Statistically it was not his best outing, but it was solid and good enough to keep him from getting cut prior to the season. I would imagine that he will finish his career as a Jaguar while laying claim to the all time tackle leader for Jacksonville.

Telvin Smith is another standout from the Jaguars 2014 draft class. Smith is a highly talented linebacker with blazing speed and corner-like coverage skills. The linebacker heads into his fourth season and should have little to be concerned about regarding a new contract.

At 26-years old and three years under his belt, he leads the team in tackles over that three year stretch, finishing second each year. Along with fellow linebacker Posluszny, Smith leads in interceptions in that three year stretch for the team with four.

As mentioned earlier when discussing Allen Robinson, there are two players that should be priorities and Telvin Smith is the other one. When Posluszny is no longer a Jaguar, Telvin should take over as the leader to fill the void. Just recently he visited his alma mater, Florida State University, to speak on leadership to current FSU players.

When it comes to the perfect player Smith flirts with being just that. On the field he is receiving quite the reputation with his nomination last year when ranked the 83rd best player by fans and other players. His off the field persona is also getting highlighted even outside of the recent trip back to FSU, just this week he discussed charging for youth camps.

"“Just remember where you come from. … Remember when you were that same little kid wanting to go to a camp and see these big-time athletes, and they were charging, and you couldn’t. It ain’t right.” – Telvin Smith 4/13/2017"

All in all I believe Smith will remain a Jaguar for years to come and if he is not resigned it will be a big loss to the franchise. This guy is a crucial part of the young defense in Jacksonville and definitely is one of the critical playmakers on it.