JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Tony from Johns Creek, GA
O, is Free Agency an oxymoron?
This is a decent way to start this O-Zone, with the NFL's free-agency negotiating period scheduled to start Monday at noon. I expect the Jaguars to participate in this 2025 free-agency period, which means there likely will be significant Jaguars-related news sometime Monday afternoon and continuing into the evening/the coming days (though not necessarily reported on this website because of NFL Rules). I don't know that "significant Jaguars-related news" means being involved at the absolute top of the market with "splash" signings; my sense, in fact, is such signings won't be the Jaguars' storyline this week. I expect a more measured approach with perhaps a focus on the lines, a receiver and a defensive back. That last sentence is more a guess than anything else. Remember, too: Free agency is difficult to predict because it happens in real time, with decisions made in rapid-fire succession. Teams enter with a plan, then adapt to that plan multiple times in a very short time – and the answer to your question is that there's absolutely nothing "free" about free agency. That's why the hope here is that the Jaguars' '25 free-agency foray is indeed relatively measured with an eye toward emphasizing the draft in future offseasons. Free agency is a risky relationship, and you want to ease toward draft and develop as much as possible as soon as possible.
Scott from Aruba
It looks like the incoming administration is taking the view of we aren't going to win a Super Bowl this season and if someone isn't likely to be a part of the team in three years make sure they aren't a massive cap hit this year. Should we temper expectations for next season on the hopes of the following?
The Jaguars' decision-makers are moving to improve the roster and to get the salary cap in a place where they can move forward in a new direction for the short- and long-term. They don't know if they're going to win the Super Bowl this season. They're going to try to win as many games as possible to get into a position to have a chance.
Rob from The duuuuuuuuuu
I'm sad to see tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Christian Kirk go. It's hard to imagine the Jags' offense without those two core players. I hope we are making this sacrifice in order to make a big commitment to beefing up the offensive line. Do you think a guard or center could be in the cards in free agency?
Yes.
Marlin from Greenway Palms, FL
Hi, John. You said "Kirk and Engram combined to play 17 games in 2024, catching a combined 59 passes for 744 yards and two touchdowns." My unrealistic expectations are that each of them will have about those numbers. Am I well out of the ballpark?
If they're both healthy, they have a chance to meet those numbers. Remember: Kirk didn't finish either of the last two seasons and Engram missed two long stretches of games last season. They are entering their ninth and eighth seasons, respectively. There's a school of thought that players usually don't get healthier as they age. That school isn't always correct, but it can play into a franchise's thinking.
Jeremy from Gilbert, AZ
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone is doing exactly what should be done. It's about time. It's about building a winning team. It's not about keeping mediocre players at overpaid salaries.
The Jaguars went 4-13 last season. They changed head coaches and general managers. There were going to be changes and changes have come.
Brendan from The Moral High Ground
After the Mitch Morse news and what feels like an anticipated decision to move on from Brandon Scherff, does offensive line move to the top of the list?
Offensive line absolutely is a priority for the Jaguars this offseason. The departure of center Mitch Morse and right guard Brandon Scherff gives them a chance to start reshaping this area.
Tony from Jax
Love all the changes! We have to destroy to rebuild. Lots of FA and draft prospects who I prefer over these ex-Jags. Any sense of top priority where we'll spend the most? I assume OL?
Offensive line absolutely is a priority for the Jaguars this offseason. This does not automatically mean they feel a need to "spend the most" at a particular position in free agency. The idea for the Jaguars' decision-makers must be to build the best roster possible with the resources available. It can't be to commit to spending a certain among at a particular position just to say they did.
Scott from Saint Johns
With Morse's retirement, it's time for some reflection on the franchise's history. Which centers, in your opinion, have been the most impactful over the course of the Jaguars' three decades in the NFL?
Brad Meester.
Dan from Ormond Beach, FL
Running an NFL franchise is much like running a business. While I understand the angst of the fanbase losing players they have cheered for, many – if not all – the players released/retired were replacement level players or slightly above. As much as we may love them, none were superstars. They were bad investments based on this year's contract. I keep reading from fans that we must be planning on hitting free agency hard. I realize we are required to use 89 percent of the cap over a four-year period and I also realize half of America lives paycheck to paycheck. It doesn't mean the Jaguars have to. I hope we dabble in some sensible free agency. It is possible however that we use the money to get ahead of some problems like maybe Travon Walker?
I think the Jaguars will be more sensible than silly in free agency this week, though free agency by its nature usually has a dollop or two of silliness. I don't expect them to address big contracts such as defensive end Travon Walker in the coming months. New regimes can delay such a decision to get a better feel for the long-term situation.
Jerell from Columbia, SC
Why say the team doesn't resemble a 4-13 team and then go and release all the talent instead of build on it?? I have seen enough, I want the search for GM open back up.
In no way, shape nor form have the Jaguars released "all the talent." Gladstone is the general manager. The search will not be opened "back up." Nor should it be.
Greg from Section 122, Jacksonville, FL
First wanted to echo the comments and thank Morse, Kirk, and Engram for all their contributions. You were not here long but your impact won't be forgotten. My concern is this, does the front office really think they can replace this talent in one cycle? I mean we got 10 draft picks and nothing I have seen in free agency believes they are better or cheaper than Kirk? Certainly nothing younger. So this is strictly a cap move? I guess the confusion is when Head Coach Liam Coen and staff does this meet and greet with the players, do the players know they are not in the forward plans for this group? I think I might be insulted if I wasn't told straight up.
When Coen and the staff spoke to the players upon the staff's hiring, it was in introductory fashion and a general manager had not been hired. There was no way at the time for Coen to know for sure what veterans would be released before free agency. The players involved should have understood this on some level because this is professional football.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
John - I do not agree with the decision to release Evan Engram. No. 17 had skills, toughness and blocking ability that will be hard to replace in the short term. Engram also brought leadership and professionalism to the locker room, which is now also in short supply. My lasting memory of Evan will be how he did not hesitate to respond to the Houston Head Hunter's vicious knockout cheap shot on our QB1. He risked a fine, a suspension and his own safety to fight back. In that horrible moment, he stood up for Trevor, the Jags and all of all of Duuuval. Thank you Captain Engram and best of luck!
One fer Engram.
Woody from Dunlap
KOAF: As with most Jags fans, I am sad to see Kirk and Engram go, but understand the rationale. The issue that concerns me the most going into the 2025 season is the retirement of Morse. The 2025 draft class appears to be rather sparse with respect to the center position. What does your scoobee (or is it scooby?) sense say about this?
My Scooby – not my Scobee – sense says free agency begins this week and the free-agency negotiating period begins Monday at noon. I say Jaguars fans should pay attention.
