Jacksonville Jaguars owner expresses importance of franchise quarterback

Shad Khan expressed the importance of finding a franchise quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguar’s owner Shad Khan addressed the media on Black Monday following the firing of head coach Doug Marrone. This comes one day after the Jaguars suffered their 15th straight loss on the season at the hands of their division rival, the Indianapolis Colts.

In Khan’s videoconference, he made it clear that the Jaguars have significantly been missing a franchise quarterback to lead this team. Luckily for them, they hold the number one pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Khan noted that they “have the ability to make a choice” regarding a franchise quarterback “and it’s going to define the franchise moving forward.” What he means by this is, the Jaguars are going to have a choice when it comes to the draft. They can select Clemon’s Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State’s Justin Fields. To fans, there is no choice and Lawrence should be the unquestionable selection.

Khan didn’t name either player specifically but’s it fair to assume they are the “choice” he is referring to. Unless there’s the chance the Jaguars trade down and go after someone like BYU’s Zach Wilson or Alabama’s Mac Jones. But that doesn’t feel as likely.

Jaguars quarterback development is crucial.

The Jaguars haven’t had success in developing young quarterbacks— such as Blaine Gabbert, Blake Bortles, and Gardner Minshew— and Khan wants to change that. He recognized that quarterback development is a major focus during Jacksonville’s head coaching search.

Some top candidates who have done well in developing their respective quarterbacks are Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, and Tennesee Titans’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Jaguars have already reportedly requested permission to interview Smith.

Maybe this will be the year that Shad Khan finally makes the right hires to benefit the potential that this franchise has.