Jaguars Tom Coughlin warned by NFL over remarks

Jacksonville Jaguars executive vice-president Tom Coughlin was warned by the NFL about his remarks he made regarding team voluntary workouts.

The NFL handed down a warning to Jacksonville Jaguars executive vice-president of football operations Tom Coughlin regarding the comments he made about players who did not attend the organization’s voluntary workouts a couple of weeks back.

The comments, which were made it the team’s State of the Franchise meeting, did not specifically name players, but it was believed to be directed at cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Telvin Smith – the two players who were not in attendance for the first phase of the team’s offseason program.

"Per Herbie Teope of NFL.com, “The league sent Coughlin a warning letter regarding his earlier public statements surrounding players not attending voluntary workouts, a league source told NFL.com.”"

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars in position to let RT Jawaan Taylor hit free agency in 2023
• Jaguars GM Trent Baalke hopes HC Doug Pederson has trust in him
• Report: Jacksonville Jaguars ready to use franchise tag to keep Evan Engram if needed
• Antonio Johnson a trendy pick for Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 24 in 2023 NFL Draft
• Jacksonville Jaguars have a rat problem, get poor marks in NFLPA team report card

The message Coughlin sent was met with opposition not only from the NFLPA, but Ramsey and his agent. The two-time Pro Bowl player is in Tennessee working out like he normally does in the offseason. Smith, who was a Pro Bowl player in 2017, has not had contact with the team, per Jaguars officials.

"“The NFLPA issued a statement almost immediately follow what Coughlin said in defense of the players. The organization asked the NFL to remind the Jaguars of the rule surrounding pressuring players to attend the voluntary phases of the offseason workout program, the source said,” Teope wrote."

Earlier this week, the Jaguars announced they have picked up Ramsey’s fifth-year option. General manager David Caldwell stated at the NFL Combine in February the team intended to keep Ramsey in the fold. Per spotrac.com, adding the fifth year to Ramsey’s rookie deal will pay him roughly $13.7 million for the 2020 season.

Ramsey, who has never been one to shy away from using social media to address concerns, stated the front office knew why he was in Tennessee and was not attending the voluntary workouts.

He also stated he would be ready for mandatory workouts and meetings when the time came.

Smith has three years remaining on a four-year deal with the team. He is scheduled to make $9.75 millions this season and $10 million base salary for the 2020 season and $10.25 million in 2021 before he can become a free agent.

There has been speculation because of the lack of communication between the player and the team, the front office could look to trade him, but as a story on Big Cat Country states, moving him now may not make sense.