JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

JK from New York and Fernandina Beach, FL

I will stay on message: The Jags need to nail down Josh Allen's deal sooner than later. Not only will this bring clarity for draft strategy and likely create some cap savings, it also will keep the faith with Allen and the fans who love and support him. The Jags could have gotten this done last year, but essentially challenged Allen to put up or shut up. He rose to the challenge and now owns the team's single-season sack record and represented Jacksonville at the Pro Bowl. Now, the team needs to show that it recognizes on-field production and that Josh is one of the faces of the franchise by stepping up with a fair-market rate contract. Then, two things need to happen: (1) Allen must attend organized team activities, and (2) He should be restored as our defensive captain. This will establish Allen as the Leader of the D, which every good team needs. Do you still think an Allen deal is a short-term priority or have all the changes shifted focus elsewhere?

I do believe signing Allen remains a short- and long-term priority for the Jaguars and I continue to expect it will happen before the July 15 deadline. I don't know that draft strategy will change one way or the other based on whether he signs a long-term extension. I also don't know that it was ever realistic to get an extension with Allen done before this past season. Allen hadn't yet earned an elite-level contract and he wasn't going to sign a "bargain" deal. And whether Allen is a team captain in 2024 will depend on whether his teammates vote him into that position. As for the thought that Allen "must" attend organized team activities if he signs a long-term deal … I'm sure many people with agree with this. I don't. Much like most of the NFL offseason, OTAs are voluntary and vastly overrated for many players. If a veteran player believes he can prepare himself better somewhere other than at a team's facility during the offseason, he should train away from the facility during that time – and he has every right under league rules to do so. Many of the best players I've ever covered rarely participated in a team's offseason programs. It's important for quarterbacks because other positions depend on the position. Outside of that …

Josh from New Port Richey, FL

With the hip-drop tackle being banned, is it even worth prioritizing defensive players as high draft picks anymore?

The NFL indeed this week banned the so-called "hip-drop" tackle, with the play now subject to a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. It's the latest NFL rule making playing defense more difficult. Either way … yes, the same defensive positions that always have been high value – edge rusher and defensive tackle, in particular – will remain high value. Defense will be harder. It won't be less important.

James from Salt Lake City via Jagsonville

Mr. O, I know how to make it safer. Just bring out the flags and let them wear those. Hey, they do it in the Pro Bowl now.

This probably isn't fair. It's also not completely unfair. 

Marcus from Jacksonville

You always seem reluctant to make an assessment of a player before everything is said and done, which is fair. Some players take longer than others to develop, so quick evaluations often don't paint the whole picture. But we have two "transactions" that are now complete – one a trade and the other a draft pick – that I would love your evaluation on, since the book is now closed and all the information is now available. How would you rate the trade for Calvin Ridley, and how would you rate the draft pick of K'Lavon Chaison?

The 2022 trade to acquire wide receiver Calvin Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons was fine. The Jaguars traded for a player with the idea he might be a No. 1 receiver and a long-term elite player. The cost/risk was a third- and fifth-round draft selection. Ridley as it turned out wasn't quite a No. 1 receiver and the Jaguars therefore decided they couldn't commit elite, long-term money to him. The selection of outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson No. 20 overall in the 2021 NF Draft wasn't fine. He never played close to what was expected of a first-round selection.

Jerry from Italia, FL

Zone, Si.com reported that the Miami Dolphins were given exclusive marketing rights to new three countries. This brings the total number of countries the Dolphins have exclusive marketing rights to six. Imagine my surprise when I read that one of these countries is the United Kingdom. Why in the hell are we playing games in England every year if the Dolphins have exclusive marketing rights in that country? It seems like we're renting an apartment (England) from the owner, the Miami Dolphins. I used to think the people that opposed the annual London game were getting their panties in a bunch for no reason. Now I'm not so sure.

The Jaguars are one of six teams with international marketing rights in the United Kingdom. The other five: The Chicago Bears, Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

Brian from Gainesville, FL

Big O, is the Gabe Davis signing really any good in your opinion? I know all about the yards-per-catch stat and that 77 percent of his receptions go for a first down or touchdowns. But lots of Buffalo Bills fans say the problem is more that many games he goes with zero receptions, that his hands appear to be made of stone and he causes too many interceptions. He already played with an elite quarterback (Josh Allen) and wasn't a superstar. And with how Trevor likes to throw the fastball, how do you think Davis will work out here?

I doubt wide receiver Gabe Davis will be a superstar with the Jaguars, but he doesn't have to be a superstar to be a successful signing. I think Davis was an important and necessary signing as an unrestricted free agent earlier this month. The Jaguars needed a fourth front-line receiver to package with wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and tight end Evan Engram. An offense needs four-to-five playmakers around a quarterback for which defenses must account – and the Jaguars now have that if you include running back Travis Etienne Jr.

Chris from Fleming Island, FL

KOAF. So Nate Davis of USA Today gave the Jags a D+ in free agency, mostly due to the size of contracts for defensive tackle Arik Armstead, Davis and safety Darnell Savage. What say you?

I say Nate Davis of USA Today can grade whatever team he wants however he wants. I haven't the slightest interest in these grades.

Tom from My Lawn in the Mean Streets of Nocatee

Do you think they'll pass the rule change outlawing tackling and all contact next year, or is that still two-to-three years out?

I don't see the NFL outlawing tackling next offseason. I don't disagree with your premise, though. The league is making the NFL harder and harder for defensive players.

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

My understanding of how money works in relation to an asset you own is you don't realize that money until you sell the asset for cash, until then it is just "on paper." Can you check with your CPA on this?

That's pretty much it.

Brendan from Yulee, FL

Want to know what's crazy? The amount of first rounders from 2010-2023 that have been absolute garbage for the Jags. Even when we do hit a home run, the player starts having some phantom back pain BS. Take some risk, trade up and get the known commodity. You got to risk it for the biscuit. Marvin Harrison Jr., incoming. Let's go.

I don't expect the Jaguars to move up enough from No. 17 in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft enough to select Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Ed from Jax by Lionel Playworld

What are the chances that both Walker Little and Cam Robinson are on the roster to start the season? Do you see trade value for either?

I expect the chances are better both are on the roster in 2024 than not. What the Jaguars do in the NFL 2024 NFL Draft could change that. If the Jaguars select a left tackle on Day 1 or 2, I suspect Robinson could be traded – mainly because doing so could clear significant salary-cap space.

Scott from Jacksonville

Spare me the "teams stream press conferences as a courtesy" crap. If you are going to do something, do it right or not at all. How hard would it be to have someone walking around with a microphone for the question askers to use? Adapt or die, John! Everybody should be used to change by now for crying out loud!

Somebody need a nappy?