Jaguars Trade Rumors: Team looks to deal veterans before free agency
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars, per rumors over the weekend, are looking to trade both defensive tackle Malik Jackson and running back Carlos Hyde before the start of NFL free agency.
The news over the weekend with regard to the Jacksonville Jaguars did not just center around the potential signing of quarterback Nick Foles. Several sports outlets, including ESPN.com reported the team is looking to deal both defensive tackle Malik Jackson and running back Carlos Hyde before the start of free agency which begins on March 13.
The moves would free up more salary cap space for Jacksonville to either pursue a quarterback, presumed to be Foles, or add key parts to the offense that averaged just 15.3 points a contest last season.
The move to trade Jackson, who signed a six-year deal with Jacksonville worth $90 million in 2016, has become expendable because of his contract and the team’s selection of Taven Bryan in last year’s NFL Draft.
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He has registered 18 sacks in his three seasons with the organization.
Jackson’s departure from the team has been expected. The news of a possible trade also comes after the franchise announced that veteran defensive end Marcell Dareus met with team officials and told them he wanted to restructure his current contract to remain with the team this coming season.
Per overthecap.com, Jackson has a $15 million salary charge this season.
The move to trade Hyde isn’t surprising given he would cost the team $4.75 million this coming season. The former Ohio State running back was obtained in a tdeal before the NFL trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round draft pick in April.
If Hyde is traded or released, the Jaguars would have only three running backs under contract for 2019 – Leonard Fournette, David Williams and Thomas Rawls. Both T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant are set to become free agents in less than two weeks.
Jaguars are attempting to trade DT Malik Jackson and RB Carlos Hyde, per league sources, two players that some believe could be productive with the right opportunities. Jacksonville aiming to strike agreements that can be processed when the league year opens March 13.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2019
I believe Grant could be a candidate to re-sign with the team. Yeldon will not be back in a Jaguars uniform. The Jaguars did talk to several college running backs at the NFL Combine this past week per several reports.
"Per Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report, “The Browns signed the 28-year-old to a three-year, $15.25 million contract (in 2018), but with rookie Nick Chubb playing so well, they moved on after only a handful of games.”"
Next. Report: Nick Foles to sign with the Jaguars. dark
In eight games last season with Jacksonville, Hyde gained 189 yards on 58 carries. For the season he rushed for 571 yards and five touchdowns.