Jacksonville Jaguars: Trading LB Myles Jack would be counterproductive

The NFL trade deadline is approaching and the Jacksonville Jaguars should consider making a few deals. On the other hand, some teams may be interested in some of the players on the Jags’ roster. One that should be a no-go is linebacker Myles Jack.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently drew up a list of trade ideas that would change the Super Bowl 56 race. In his article, Knox suggests the Los Angeles Chargers acquire Jack in exchange for a 2022 third-round selection. He argues that the linebacker would improve the Bolts’ defense right out of the gate and cites the Jaguars’ decision to strip the linebacker of playcalling duties as the rationale behind the potential deal.

"If the Jaguars aren’t interested in making Jack the centerpiece of their defense, the Los Angeles Chargers might be. L.A. got blown out by the Ravens in Week 6, which shows what can happen to the 4-2 Chargers when its offense isn’t quite clicking."

In case you missed it, the Jaguars took away Jack’s playcalling responsibilities because it allows him to play more freely. Without the green dot on his helmet, he no longer has to worry about making sure everyone is aligned correctly and can focus on his own play. This doesn’t mean Jacksonville doesn’t want him anymore. It wasn’t a demotion but rather a way to maximize his on-field performance.  Moving forward, the 2016 second-round pick should see a spike in productivity.

Myles Jack is a key cog on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense.

Jack suffered a back injury in Week 5 and missed the trip to London. Meyer told the local media the UCLA product would be back in the lineup for Week 8. Don’t get it twisted, the Jaguars beat the Dolphins without the linebacker but they are better with him. He’s well-respected in the locker room and was named team captain early this year. Why would you trade one of your leaders?

Simply, trading Jack would be a questionable move. even though a third-round pick looks like adequate compensation. The previous management hardly ever made an effort to retain their playmakers and often antagonized them instead of rewarding them. Shipping the linebacker out of town would show things haven’t changed much.

In the last few months, the Jaguars’ brass traded quarterback Gardner Minshew and cornerbacks Sidney Jones and C.J. Henderson. They weren’t part of the team’s long-term plan and none of them was a cornerstone player. Jack is different, and the Jags need players like him if they want to compete in the future.

A new regime is always going to bring players that fit their vision but they must also make an effort to retain those that can help them win games. Before this year, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t have many but Jack was one of them. Trading him now wouldn’t make sense.