JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Michael from Orange Park, FL
So, the Jaguars let Jawaan walk. What now?
Jawaan Taylor, a second-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft and their starting right tackle from 2019-2022, indeed on Monday reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. I don't know that I would term this "letting Taylor walk" because the Jaguars wanted to re-sign him, but they weren't going to approach the Chiefs' reported offer of four years for $80 million with $60 million guaranteed. Either way, Taylor's departure certainly will mean significant changes for offensive line next season, primarily moving Walker Little to right tackle. Little, a second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, has played well in six NFL starts – all at left tackle. I would expect the Jaguars to use a relatively early selection in the 2023 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle with the idea that that player could be the swing tackle. That player theoretically could push for time on the interior. Stay tuned.
Kevin from Ocala, FL
What happened to "re-signing our own players?"
This is a fair question. Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke and Head Coach Doug Pederson indeed have discussed often during the past two offseasons the importance of retaining home-grown, drafted players. And they very much wanted to re-sign Taylor. At the same time, all such decisions must be made with an eye toward maintaining the salary cap over an extended period. And in any negotiation a team must eventually have a number past with it will not go. There's also the reality that the Jaguars have a player in Little who they believe can play right tackle. Teams ideally will draft well and have players ready if players leave. This seems like it could happen with Little.
Al from Orange Park, FL
To become the fourth-highest-paid tackle in the league (for this week anyway), and go to the current, and very possibly next Super Bowl champs … ya really can't blame the guy, can you??
Not really, no.
Jim from Neptune Beach, FL
Disappointed they didn't sign Manhertz. What's this team doing?
Chris Manhertz, a tight end who played with the Jaguars the last two seasons, reportedly agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos on Monday. He started 21 games with the Jaguars and did not miss a game during that span. He also is a very good blocking tight end. What are the Jaguars doing? They're allowing veterans who aren't cost-effective in terms of the salary cap to move on. It's what teams who are trying to keep the cap manageable for the long-term do.
Tommy from Fernandina Beach, FL
O, I don't see many or any Rams players complaining that Jalen was traded. I'm sure they won't miss his diva attitude one bit! He's someone else's headache now again. What's the over/under on how long before he is a malcontent again?
I wrote when former Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 that I expected he would have a career path similar to Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Revis, who played for five teams during an 11-year career. I thought this in part because I figured Ramsey wouldn't love playing with a struggling franchise – and NFL franchises, no matter how successful, typically endure periods of winning and losing. I also figured Ramsey's contract as a generational player would make it tough for a rebuilding team to retain him through a down period; it's tough to justify a cornerback's mega-salary when you're whittling contracts and trying to form a core for your salary cap. Ramsey over the weekend reportedly was traded to the Miami Dolphins, which will be his third team in his eight NFL seasons. I could see the original projection of five teams in 11 seasons being in the right area.
Amy from Jacksonville
Any chance we bring back the mayor of Sacksonville back? I know he's on the downside of his career but what a team guy!!!
The Baltimore Ravens on Monday released defensive lineman Calais Campbell. As for a possible return to the Jaguars, acquiring a player of Campbell's experience and leadership always has positives. Whether there would be mutual interest, and whether Campbell would play for what the Jaguars would offer … those factors always make projecting such happenings difficult. Would it be awesome, though? Absolutely.
Greg from Orlando, FL
I just saw the Chiefs are planning on playing Taylor at left tackle. Surprised?
A little. Still, while Taylor never has played left tackle in the NFL, the Chiefs are guaranteeing him $60 million. I suppose they figure at that price they can play him on either side.
John from Jacksonville
Could an argument be made that it should be called "The Grant Trophy" instead of "The Lombardi Trophy"? Grant's demeanor was his greatest asset.
Former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Bud Grant died Saturday. I was saddened by the news not because I knew or covered him, but because I have heard many times about Grant as a class person. He also was a phenomenally successful coach, building the Minnesota Vikings into a four-time Super Bowl team in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He deservedly is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But I can't argue that it should be the Grant Trophy rather than the Lombardi Trophy – and not just because Grant's Vikings never won the Super Bowl. Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers won five of seven NFL Championships and the first two Super Bowls. He's a defining figure of the league. His name on the Super Bowl trophy is perfect.
Brendan from Yulee
Jawaan Taylor, the next Jaguar to leave in free agency to win a Super Bowl? Drafting that dude and losing him to the Chiefs feels like a gut punch to be honest.
Fair.
Sean from Jacksonville
Dang. Jawaan Taylor to the Chiefs on a deal that I don't think the Jaguars would've attempted. At least that starts to clean up who the team will now target. Ciao for now, Jawaan.
Ciao.
Daniel from Jersey City, NJ
O-man, who do you think will retire first from the Jaguars, you, or Lawrence?
If Lawrence plays until he's 40, he will play until 2039. I would be 73 in 2039. I have no idea when I will be not-so-politely asked to leave my current post. I do hope my critical organs are still functioning in '39.
Adam from Gainesville, FL
Why no free agency news on jaguars.com.
Our policy at jaguars.com is to not report transactions until they are made officials with the league. That's why there are times throughout the season and offseason that you will see news on Twitter that's not on jaguars.com. This happens most often during the days leading to free agency because the NFL's negotiation window – during which time players can agree to contract – opens at noon Monday whereas the League Year opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. The agreed-upon contracts can become official at that time, which is when you will see "news" reported on jaguars.com.
Harsha from Ocala
I know that everyone credits quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Pederson with this amazing turnaround of a team, but I think Baalke should get maybe even more credit, for this. Has any general manager hit on so many FAs in one year? Remember the "clown out" faces in the stadium? Oh, how far have we come!
Hey, one fer Baalke.
Catch 55 from FLEMING ISLAND, FL
You've probably been asked this question a hundred times since Calvin Ridley has been reinstated, but when is he allowed to come to the stadium and meet with coaches?
Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, acquired last November in a trade from the Atlanta Falcons, spent last Wednesday in Jacksonville and met with coaches, but that meeting under NFL rules couldn't be about football-specific topics. Those conversations can't take place until the Jaguars' voluntary offseason program begins April 17.
_Woody from Dunlap, TN _
KOAF: You have now gone 15 straight days of O-Zone without a break. What is your current consecutive days record? Maybe you are now the Marathon KOAF!
The current O-Zone streak is 4,235 days. That is the record.
Rick from Savannah, GA
I've seen comments about Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley's letter to the fans and saw your link in the O-Zone but didn't get a chance to read them at the time. I've been searching the Jags' website for a while today and can't find them. Are these Twitter letters or Facebook letters? If these were so substantial, why aren't they more easily accessible to fans?
They're pretty easy to find if you go to where they were published, which was the Players Tribune. The can easily be accessed here and here.
Paul from Lake City, FL
I subscribe to the non-exclusive theory of O-Zone: It is possible to both suck, and be the King of All Funk.
Good eye.
