SocalJagsFan sounds off on Freddy T.

by silencecs on Nov 27, 2008 3:52 AM EST

Cutting Fred Taylor would be unforgivable

by socaljagsfan on Nov 27, 2008 12:23 AM EST

According to several sources including our own Vic Ketchman, Fred Taylor is concerned about his future as a Jaguar. He said Wednesday that he definitely wants to play another season in the NFL, but he isn’t positive that it would be in Jacksonville. “If you were on the outside looking in, you would think a change is coming,” were the words Taylor used to describe the situation at hand. Next season Fred is due to make $6 million and the only choice for the Jaguars is to pay him or cut him. As we all know this is a league of constant replacement, but there are certain players that just don’t get cut for the value that they bring with experience and leadership.

Fred said only a few days ago, “We’re not a good team. T-E-A-M.” If team chemistry is what Jack Del Rio hopes to find, than the worst thing he could do is cut the player who has the longest tenure with the team and is a highly respected player, if not the most respected player, in the locker room. In his 11 seasons with the Jaguars, Taylor has amassed 11,151 rushing yards and is 18th on the all-time and has poured his heart and soul into this team. Fred has said that he wishes to reach 12,000 yards on his career whether that is with the Jaguars or not, so retirement is out of the question.

“This is where my heart is,” Taylor said, “Jacksonville is all I know.”

In the last few weeks, Jaguar fans have discussed what needs to be done to get the organization back to the winning ways of just a year ago. Many have suggested that Shack Harris deserves to be shown the door, while others believe that Jack Del Rio needs to be fired. I have been a strong supporter of both and I believe neither deserve to lose their positions and they will effectively rebuild the team. However, if Fred Taylor is cut I will instantly lose my faith in the current staff and I will be 100% behind the firing of Del Rio. The removal of such a respected veteran would be an unforgivable move and those responsible should no longer be a part of the organization.

Poll

What does it mean to you if Fred is cut loose at the end of the year?

A: It means Del Rio has lost the locker-room. It's his call to cut or keep Fred. Fire Del Rio.

33 votes

B: It means the team has lost it's soul and identity all at once.

72 votes

C: It means football's a business... GROW UP... He hasn't produced anyways.

38 votes

D: I don't know what it means... I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole concept!

32 votes

175 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Dead on...

If Taylor goes then I too have lost faith in the front office. He’s due to earn 6 million, but he’s the team’s soul. He’s a huge reason for MJD’s lightning quick development into one of the league’s elite RB’s. Cutting him after handing our multi million dollar extensions to Paul Spicer and Seth Meier is inexcusable. Neither of them has performed at all this season and Paul doesn’t even start anymore. Screw the front office and I think Del Rio better snap outta this power trip quick!

by silencecs on Nov 27, 2008 4:06 AM EST reply actions

He's de "ultimate" jaguar..........

I grew up watching Fragile Fred turn into one of the Best RBs of the last 10 years…..

If he’s out……… There will be no way in Hell I’ll be going near “The Jack” next year………..

There are some things that are unforgivable, like getting rid of the Best player a franchise has had……….

by jaxjags.. on Nov 27, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

I suggest we all calm down

as far as i can tell not much even suggest that he will be cut/traded, other than speculation.

by Ewdtrey on Nov 27, 2008 6:38 AM EST reply actions

I think we find a way to keep him. If not, I am cutting ties with this franchise. He is basically a god to me. Freddy T may be my favorite player for the rest of my life, and I will miss that dude for life when he leaves the game.

by harveyismyboy on Nov 27, 2008 12:46 PM EST reply actions

I will not say that

If he leaves I’m cutting ties with the current organization and the staff, not the franchise

by Adam Stites on Nov 27, 2008 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

hate to be devils advocate...but

wouldn’t you use that money to sign jones-drew to a big contract? the guy is making peanuts and has now shown he’s the premier guy…i would much rather keep him happy more than someone that has lost a step…THIS IS A BUSINESS GUYS, the packers choose not to keep brett favre (granted a slightly different situation) because it was best for their team long-term…next year is going to be a rebuilding year, and if we’re going to rebuild, then let’s actually do it…

by jlana24 on Nov 27, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions

I could agree if...

the team was stocked with play-makers. If the choice was difficult, then you have a case. But who are the play-makers on this team verses who are drawing the top salaries. There are a lot of $6mil and $5 mil salaries. Fred is a play-maker. The team needs to cut non-productive people first.

by Tkopa on Nov 27, 2008 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

How many of you complained

when Leftwich was cut? Or maybe not so much complained, but were concerned deeply about the direction and the future of the franchise? These two scenarios are almost exactly the same … and hasn’t Taylor had contract squabbles with the front office before? Where has he gone? That’s right … nowhere. Not worried at all.

by Lancers46 on Nov 28, 2008 2:33 AM EST reply actions

I don't see any similarities at all

between the Leftwich cut and what could happen to Fred. Leftwich is not among some of the all-time greats at his position like Fred is. Leftwich played 4 seasons in Jacksonville without ever starting 15 games while Fred is playing in his 11th season and has started well over 100 games. You mentioned that when Leftwich was cut we were concerned about the future of the franchise and I’ll agree with you there, but right now I’m worried about the franchise as it is and this would be a negative move going forward.

by Adam Stites on Nov 28, 2008 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

KEEP EM'

Give this man some blocking, execution and a dominant O line, and all this talk stops in its tracks.

by teals4real on Nov 28, 2008 6:06 AM EST reply actions

That is the heart of the issue

Where are the coaches and front office looking and what do they see is the problem.

If they see a running back that looks to be getting old, they are wrong. If they look to an offensive line and play calling, they are right. My fear is they are still not seeing clearly whee the problems are. If you can’t se the problem, the attempts to fix the problem will only make things worse.

by Tkopa on Nov 28, 2008 7:05 AM EST up reply actions