NFL 17 Offseason: Jacksonville Jaguars Key Free Agents
Who are the biggest free agents coming out of Jacksonville this offseason? These are the top three free agents for the Jags and whether they should be resigned or let go. To start off on the right foot, Marrone and the Jaguars organization should look into resigning both Amukamara and Alualu and exploring possible scenarios for Joeckel. The Jaguars have a lot of work ahead of them, but they might as well keep their roster strong and not do too much to alter it and risk another dissapointing season.
Luke Joeckel, Guard
The former number two draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft has not been playing up to par in the past three years and his rookie contract is up. Joeckel, who was placed on injured reserve after the fourth game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, was in a transition phase with Jacksonville, as he was being moved from left tackle to gaurd. Joeckel has been adament on playing gaurd, even though the Jags have Kelvin Beachum occuping that spot, and may not get the chance to play at that position in Jacksonville. If he is going to stay in Jacksonville, he is going to need to adapt and adjust to the gaurd position. Otherwise, the Jaguars have no use for him. If he wants to stay at left tackle, the Jaguars should not resign him. However, if he is willing to working with the team and make the changed to gaurd, then the deseves a shot to show what he can do.
Tyson Alualu, Defensive Tackle
The veteran defensive tackle Alualu has spent his entire career with Jacksonville and is someone that the Jags can rely on on the defensive line. Alualu, who is approaching 30-years-old, might be on the backside of his career, but could provide some much needed football IQ to roster full of budding young players. While his numbers have never really jumped off the page in any of his season, this season recording 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble, he is Jacksonville's old reliable. He can play anywhere on the denfensive line, giving the Jags extra depth, while also teaching and spoting new players who may be taking over for the seven year veteran. While he may not be someone Jacksonville want to sign to a long-term deal, he is definelty someone the Jags should have on their roster next year if they want to continue to rebuild.
Prince Amukamara, Cornerback
While Amukamara is far from the best cornerback in the league, he did show that he is still a force to be reckoned with. While he may not be the number one cornerback in Jacksonville, that spot belonging to first round draft pick Jalen Ramsey, he can still provide some much needed coverage for a very porous Jaguars defense. His 2016 stats may not be overly impressive, as he totaled 49 tackles with no force fumbles or interceptions, he is still a strong cornerback who opposing quarterbacks should be wary of. While he may be a bit expensive to sign, as his one-year deal was for $5.5 millions, it would be in Jacksonville's best interest to keep their defensive back corps strong, healthy and relatively young.
After signing numerous big name players in the offseason in what was supposed to be a breakout season, the Jacksonville Jaguars head back to the drawing board after another disapointing season. The Jaguars head into the offseason with 10 players hitting free agency, some of who were just signed a year ago. However, new head coach Doug Marrone might look to overhaul everything that ex-coach Gus Bradley had done during his tenure.
Luke Joeckel, Guard
The former number two draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft has not been playing up to par in the past three years and his rookie contract is up. Joeckel, who was placed on injured reserve after the fourth game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, was in a transition phase with Jacksonville, as he was being moved from left tackle to gaurd. Joeckel has been adament on playing gaurd, even though the Jags have Kelvin Beachum occuping that spot, and may not get the chance to play at that position in Jacksonville. If he is going to stay in Jacksonville, he is going to need to adapt and adjust to the gaurd position. Otherwise, the Jaguars have no use for him. If he wants to stay at left tackle, the Jaguars should not resign him. However, if he is willing to working with the team and make the changed to gaurd, then the deseves a shot to show what he can do.
Tyson Alualu, Defensive Tackle
The veteran defensive tackle Alualu has spent his entire career with Jacksonville and is someone that the Jags can rely on on the defensive line. Alualu, who is approaching 30-years-old, might be on the backside of his career, but could provide some much needed football IQ to roster full of budding young players. While his numbers have never really jumped off the page in any of his season, this season recording 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble, he is Jacksonville's old reliable. He can play anywhere on the denfensive line, giving the Jags extra depth, while also teaching and spoting new players who may be taking over for the seven year veteran. While he may not be someone Jacksonville want to sign to a long-term deal, he is definelty someone the Jags should have on their roster next year if they want to continue to rebuild.
Prince Amukamara, Cornerback
While Amukamara is far from the best cornerback in the league, he did show that he is still a force to be reckoned with. While he may not be the number one cornerback in Jacksonville, that spot belonging to first round draft pick Jalen Ramsey, he can still provide some much needed coverage for a very porous Jaguars defense. His 2016 stats may not be overly impressive, as he totaled 49 tackles with no force fumbles or interceptions, he is still a strong cornerback who opposing quarterbacks should be wary of. While he may be a bit expensive to sign, as his one-year deal was for $5.5 millions, it would be in Jacksonville's best interest to keep their defensive back corps strong, healthy and relatively young.
After signing numerous big name players in the offseason in what was supposed to be a breakout season, the Jacksonville Jaguars head back to the drawing board after another disapointing season. The Jaguars head into the offseason with 10 players hitting free agency, some of who were just signed a year ago. However, new head coach Doug Marrone might look to overhaul everything that ex-coach Gus Bradley had done during his tenure.
