5 former Jaguars who will be missed the most in 2022

No. 4 former Jaguars player who will be missed – Brandon Linder, C.

A third-round pick in the 2014 draft, Brandon Linder had spent his entire career in Jacksonville and during his eight-year stint, he was one of the top centers in the league. The University of Miami product never earned a Pro Bowl nor an All-Pro designation but he was a mainstay of the Jaguars’ offensive line.

Linder’s time with the Black and Teal came to an end earlier this year when he announced his retirement. This doesn’t come as a surprise though, as he’s dealt with injuries over the last few years. Instead of toughening up, he rightfully chose to step away from football in order to heal and spend more time with his family. Had he not hung his cleats up, he would have been released but general manager Trent Baalke gave him time to make a decision.

In retrospect, the writing was on the wall for Linder. He had one year left on his contract but he had no guarantees left and the Jags would still have freed up $10 million in cap space if they had released him. Baalke has rightfully gotten plenty of heat for his questionable decision-making but he should be applauded for letting the veteran center walk away on his own terms. The Jags are ready to turn the page but Linder’s contributions to the team will always be remembered.