Jaguars Free Agency 2019: What happens now that veterans were let go?
By David Levin
What will the Jaguars do now that veterans were released on Friday to give the team salary cap relief before the beginning of free agency on Wednesday?
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell told the media at the NFL combine that the team could be aggressive in both free agency and the NFL Draft. After the moves the team made on Friday, releasing big-name veterans, this team is poised to make a splash next week.
The Jaguars released defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson, running back Carlos Hyde, tackle Jermey Parnell and long snapper Carson Tinker. These moves alone save the team more than $30 million in cap space. There is expected to be at least one more move, the release of quarterback Blake Bortles after June 1.
The moves weren’t unexpected. There is a plan in place down at TIAA Bank Field. When free agency begins in earnest on March 13, the Jaguars figure to be in the middle of the excitement.
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Jacksonville has made no secret of the fact they need better play at the quarterback position. That was evident in the comments made by Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone in Indianapolis.
If the quarterback change for this organization is inevitable, which position is addressed next? The release of Hyde and the probability of both T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant leaving for other teams in free agency makes me believe the team will be aggressive in signing a running back and adding one in the draft.
The cupboard appears to be bear at tight end with the exception of Ben Koyack. The rumors of the team’s interest in Jesse James could mean he is their main target at the position.
There are a few other players that Jaguars may target in April as well.
I caution that as we have read about the team’s interest in Nick Foles and the possibility of other quarterbacks being on the “short” list, that once again rumors are just that. The transparency of the deal with Foles, as we have all jumped on the bandwagon, isn’t how this organization has worked in the past.
Former #Jaguars RB Carlos Hyde is signing with the #Chiefs today, source said, agreeing to a 1-year deal worth just under $3M. Solid depth and experience before the madness begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2019
I still feel Foles is the front runner to land in Jacksonville as the market for him has become smaller – first with Denver trading for Joe Flacco and the Washington Redskins about to acquire Case Keenum. If Foles is indeed the best of the bunch of quarterbacks who could hit the market, then why are other team’s passing him by?
Now, Teddy Bridgewater is rumored to be the hot name connected to Jacksonville.
It’s one of the many questions the Jaguars will have to answer this coming week. Don’t be surprised if there is a swerve or two. Jacksonville will bring in a veteran quarterback on Wednesday. There will be a changing of the guard. Fans will be excited about news and hope for another playoff run.
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The quarterback position has been a questionable proposition since Luke McCown replaced David Garrard in 2011. Finally, there should be more stability under center. Who that player is hasn’t been determined yet.