Jacksonville Jaguars: Arguments for targeting Rick Smith as GM

The Jacksonville Jaguars must get their GM search right.

Looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ roster, and their 1-11 record, they will have to upgrade many position groups in the offseason. Quarterback should be their top priority, but an edge defender and a left tackle are not too far behind.

They could also use a starting corner, a safety, and even a backup for rookie sensation James Robinson, but before they address those needs, they have to hire a general manager, and Rick Smith, who previously oversaw the Houston Texans’ front-office, comes with an interesting resume.

The ‘Jags’ parted ways with David Caldwell for not being able to retain the organization’s best players, and his inability to adequately replace them. He certainly had some hits, such as linebacker Myles Jack, Brandon Linder, and Robinson himself. On the other hand, he didn’t get most of the team’s first-round picks right in his eight-year tenure with the team and the one he did, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, was sent packing in 2019.

However, Caldwell’s biggest mistake was his failure to find a franchise signal-caller even though a fair share of opportunities. The Jaguars’ next general manager will be entrusted to find their quarterback of the future and built a balanced roster. Rick Smith proved he could do it in his time with Jacksonville’s AFC South, and is a potential candidate worth a look, but what exactly does he bring to the table?