JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Shawn from Pinehurst, NC

Do you see Mr. Gladstone making any more free agent signings? There are still some quality rotational players left.

The Jaguars this week signed nine unrestricted free agents. I'll list them here because a few readers have complained about me listing all nine on more than one occasion this week. The list (because I was born this way): Wide receiver Dyami Brown, offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, center Robert Hainsey, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, tight end Hunter Long, guard Patrick Mekari, quarterback Nick Mullens, tight end Johnny Mundt and safety Eric Murray. And while you're correct that there are some quality rotational players left in free agency, I expect the Jaguars are as "done" as a team can be in free agency. The Jaguars' plan under General Manager James Gladstone is to build through the draft and they plan to play young players in the short-term. That includes playing some rookies in key positions next season. For that reason, they want to leave roster positions open for drafted players to play.

Tim from Fernandina Beach, FL

With Mitch Morse retiring, there is about $3 million in dead money. Do you think the team goes after that since he walked away (retired)?

No. Jaguars center Mitch Morse indeed retired last week – and the Jaguars by rule could demand Morse repay part of the signing bonus from the contract he signed in the 2024 offseason. But that's only a proper approach if a team believed a player signed a contract in bad faith – i.e., with the idea of just playing a year or two of a long-term contract and then retiring. Morse in one season with the Jaguars handled himself professionally – and he handled his retirement professionally, too. Class organizations handle class players with class, and that will be the Jaguars' approach with Morse.

Jim from Middleburg, FL

Hey, John. If Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is all that and a jar of pickles, why would he still be available at five?

Maybe there are other jars of pickles.

Tim from Jacksonville

Always wondered why corners and wide receivers are not cross-trained to play either position. To me it would be a good training tool as well as making player more versatile

A lot of players play corner and wide receiver in high school. Some players occasionally play both positions in college, but college football for most players is relatively hard with a lot of good players. As a result, most players focus on one position. Professional football for most players is a lot harder than college football, which is why most NFL players focus on a single position.

Fred from Naples, FL

I am assuming Chuma Edoga will have to wear a different number than "71"? Of is Big Bo going to relent to a fellow Trojan?

I don't expect Edoga to wear No. 71.

Nicole from East Hampton, CT

John, assuming that the new regime does not believe that Parker Washington will be the guy, how do you anticipate that we will address slot receiver this season? Do you think we may take a shot at an aging veteran like Cooper Kupp or would you anticipate that it may be a mid-draft focus area this year?

I expect Parker Washington to have a role in the Jaguars' offense this season, though I don't know that it's right to assume he will be The Guy at slot receiver. I do not expect the Jaguars to pursue Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp and I absolutely expect wide receiver to be a focus relatively early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Deane from Hill AFB via Daytona Beach, FL

Yo O-Zone!!! From what you and your Jags colleagues have been reporting on this new regime change and their free-agent signings, it has been about culture and familiarity with their system. Now that the free agent "major splash" fury has subsided, thus allowing a "bargain" acquisition, could you see them pick up Cooper Kupp to aide in the wide receiver room? What says you, O-Zone?

I say I don't expect the Jaguars to pursue Kupp.

Jason from Jacksonville

So, the Jags can't move on from Gabe Davis because of his salary. But I think we should still try to add more wide receivers so that we don't have to actually play him unless it's an emergency situation. Do you think that's a possibility?

I don't think there will be a concerted effort to not play wide receiver Gabe Davis except in an emergency. I do expect the Jaguars to seriously consider wide receivers – and ones who can play immediately – in the 2025 NFL Draft.

James from Salt Lake City via Jagsonville

Hey, O-Man. I know you always say, Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli knows how to find you. I was just wondering if you know where to hide when he comes looking.

One of us better hide in this scenario. I'll say that much.

Charles from Riverside

Hello, John. Not to continue to harp on the "youth" discussion, but it is interesting to note that Don Shula was hired as the head coach of the Baltimore Colts at 33 years old. Won the division championship at 34. And went to his first Super Bowl at 38(39?). In the modern era, 25 head coaches have been hired between the ages of 30 and 35, the majority of whom went on to be household names as successful head coaches. Guess Liam is old, LOL?

Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen is 39. Much – or least a bit – was made of this upon his late January hiring. Much more was made of the youthful nature of the Jaguars' coaching staff with the hirings of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile (42) and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski (29). Yes, the Jaguars' coaching staff is kind of young. Yes, Coen at 39 is kind young. But he's far from exceedingly young either for a current NFL head coach or a historical one. He's best described as young-ish – and as we began learning with Shula, NFL history has plenty of examples of young head coaches succeeding.

Jerry from Riverview

Despite having one of the worst defenses in the league last year, the Jaguars only signed two free agents this week on defense. Do you get the sense whether the new regime likes the current personnel or that they are planning to prioritize defensive players in the draft?

Yes.

Brad from The Avenues

Hey, John. The other day Ed from Jax by Lionel Playworld asked a question that stirred up a fragment of a memory from that early rivalry between the Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers. There was a bet made between two rival broadcasters, ours a lovely lady whose name escapes me, over who would win their new franchise first. The payoff being that the loser would have to kiss a pig. Any chance you or someone else out there remembers who that was and if she actually made good on the bet?

I have vague recollections of this, and I am perhaps just as glad that they have remained as such.

Justin from NYC

Feels like a lot of mocks have us taking either defensive tackle Mason Graham or offensive lineman Will Campbell. If you were general manager, based on all your years of watching tape and where the roster is today, which way would you lean?

In this scenario … Graham.

Sam from Orlando, FL

Is it true that not a single team reached out to Eugene "The Twizzler" Frenette to sign him? If so, why? Rumors of him taking meetings on horseback brandishing a long sword may of worked against him.

No team pursued longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette in free agent because he remains under contract with the Times-Union. Some things are as they should be and are destined to remain that way.

Andy from Alpharetta, GA

Are the same folks that are claiming to say that the same fans complained about one thing are complaining about another actually tracking who is saying what? If so...that's kinda creepy. More importantly, do you track who is saying what? Also, one 'fer this entire offseason. Don't know how it will turn out but 100% agree with the direction.

I can't keep track of folks who claim to say something about fans complaining about folks who claim to say something here in the O-Zone, and I darned sure don't track who is tracking what here. I also won't call O-Zone readers creepy. Not most of them anyway. We talk about the importance of being nice here, and that wouldn't be nice.

John from Jacksonville

I have a suggestion for Jason from Okinawa if he ever plans to buy another team jersey. My son bought me a jersey for my birthday. The number is 95 for the year we were awarded a team. The name on it is Duuuval. Those things will never change.

One fer '95, I suppose.