Getting Jaguars players to buy into a broken system in 2020

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars front office be able to sell key veterans on the organization’s determination to turn things around in 2020?

Maybe the biggest issue for Jaguars front office is going to have this off-season is getting veteran players to buy into the same mantra this organization has been selling since 2017. It’s not hard to look at the current roster and believe this team is closer to a winning record then some may think, but repeating the same thing over and over again is called something that I don’t want to repeat as I write this editorial.

David Caldwell and Doug Marrone have decisions to make. Which veterans will be asked to restructure contracts, which will be released because of cap issues and looking toward the future, how will the franchise budget for future contracts?

With Yannick Ngakoue set to become a free agent, can Caldwell make everybody happy? I don’t think it’s possible, but I’m hoping in his eight-year with the organization, he can change my mind.

Here’s the thing, Jaguars really do need Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye on the roster next year. I doubt seriously they bring back Marcell Dareus because it cost too much. What the team decides to do with other veteran players like Geoff Swaim or Marqise Lee or even Jake Ryan is still up in the air. It’s also too early to tell whether veterans will re-negotiate their contracts for the betterment of the team.

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"“Campbell has a year remaining on his contract, and the team must decide whether to bring him back at his $17.5 million cap figure, release him or try to reach an agreement under which Campbell can return at a lower salary/cap figure,” John Oehser of Jaguars.com writes."

Campbell told the media after the final game of the season he remains under contract with the team next season, so we will see how that all plays out.

The wild card may be Dareus, who showed how important to the team he is by not being able to play the majority of this season due to a core muscle injury.

"“Dareus’ $22.5 million cap figure likely will force the team to either release him or dramatically restructure his contract – and the latter seems unlikely for a player still playing at a high level,” Oehser added. “Considering Dareus’ effectiveness against the run, he may represent the biggest offseason loss if he doesn’t return.”"

Bouye moved into the team’s No. 1 cornerback slot once Jalen Ramsey decided he did not want to play for the Jaguars anymore. While he had an up and down season, Bouye was still better than his play just a season ago.

"Per Oehser, “The team also must address the future of Bouye, whose $15.4 million cap figure could make him a candidate for restructure or release.”"

Also, remember we haven’t even discussed whether the team should pick up the fifth year option for running back Leonard Fournette or look to sign wide receiver Dede Westbrook to an extension next season.

These are all issues that will need to be determined internally prior to the NFL draft in April.

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