Jaguars Replace Branden Albert With Another Running Back?
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed running back Tyler Gaffney to replace Branden Albert.
Due to the surprise retirement of Branden Albert, the Jacksonville Jaguars roster had an open slot. There are some high profile free agents still available but Jacksonville chose to replace Albert with Tyler Gaffney per jaguars.com.
The possibility of Gaffney becoming the starting running back is highly unlikely. According the Jaguars.com press release:
"After signing with New England, Gaffney spent the 2014 on the team’s reserve/injured list after sustaining a knee injury in training camp. In 2015, Gaffney was again placed on New England’s reserve/injured list for the season. On Sept. 3, 2016, Gaffney was waived/injured by the Patriots, but was released from the team via injury settlement on Sept. 9."
Consequently, Gaffney will eventually be cut from the team. First of all, the Jaguars are not in need of another running back. Seems like Jacksonville could have brought in a different position player.
The struggles of Blake Bortles comes to mind. The free agent quarterback market, per Spotrac.com, is lacking any real candidates in replacing Bortles. Jacksonville would probably play Chad Henne or Brandon Allen as a result.
Available Free Agents That Jacksonville Should Have Signed To Replace Branden Albert
First, Nick Mangold is still available. He could play center and move Brandon Linder to right guard. Even though Linder received a huge money recently from the Jaguars, Mangold would contribute more to the team than Gaffney.
Next, Gary Barnidge would be a nice addition at tight end. Barnidge had the misfortune of playing behind Greg Olsen in Carolina. In Cleveland, he caught 160 passes for 1938 yards with 13 touchdowns.
Finally, Trey Millard is a free agent fullback. Marquez Williams is on the physically unable to perform list. Why not give this former Oklahoma Sooner and Kansas City Chief a chance?
Tyler Gaffney is probably a great guy. The fact of the matter is that Jacksonville does not need another running back. The Jaguars could have chosen a different player to fill Albert’s spot.