What should Jaguar fans take away from the first day of free agency?

by Jonathan Loesche on Mar 5, 2010 4:31 PM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars News

As the first day of free agency begins to wind down, the Jaguars have stayed away from the ESPN headlines. While the NFC North seems to have collectively gone punch drunk in the NFL's first uncapped year since 1994, the Jaguars have kept quiet on the free agent front.

The biggest name the Jaguars were linked to was former Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. While the team did reportedly contact Bosch's agent, it seems he wanted to go to Detriot from the start. Considering the deal he got could you blame him? Bosch is on the wrong end of 30 and all of that guaranteed coin could be much better used to bring in several young players with something to prove.

The only two solid candidates where the Jaguars appear to be the "leading" candidates are Kaasim Osgood and Jared DeVries.

Osgood apparently wants a legitimate shot at becoming a wide receiver, in addition to being a special teams ace. While many Jags fans thought the WR position was set with resigning Troy Williamson, competition is never a bad thing. In addition, if Williamson doesn't pick up where he left off last season, then having another option will be useful.

As for DeVries, he would seemingly be filling the role Reggie Hayward would be leaving behind. A 12 year veteran, DeVries played under Joe Cullen in Detriot. DeVries' connection with Cullen is probably the main reason the Jaguars are interested in him.

Another player linked with the Jaguars has been Philadelphia DE Jason Babin. However, he has a right of first refusal in his contract, so the Eagles can match any offer.

Either way, it's clear the Jaguars are staying away from the free agent trap this offseason. With team's hedging their bets on a 2011 lockout and spending like drunk sailors, Gene Smith is looking long term. While these aren't house hold names that will sell jerseys, they'll be good cogs in an ever improving machine.

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Osgood makes sense

We have no legit Returner now; he can be a force in ST; and have a shot in WR- I’M fine.

DeVries – well without Reggie I had doubts. The guy hasn’t played a game in the 2009 season. We have 0.5 DEs who can rush the passer (Derrick Harvey can be doing something but not alone) Same goes to Babin. I hink they are far from being an answer for DE position.

Do you saw any Jags price-range FAs who was cut today and might can end up here?

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 5, 2010 4:37 PM EST reply actions

Don't expect any major signings

Vic said it best when he said help is not on the way. The Jags may sign a lower price player, but I’m not expecting great things, at least not until the draft.

by JagsAlex87 on Mar 5, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Michael C Wright said

Osgood is in Jville; wilt talk with the the Jags tomorrow

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 5, 2010 7:01 PM EST reply actions

MJy take.

Jags are cheap
Never expect anyone big to come in.
FA here is only to provide depth and patch holes
Jags will find its personnel through solid drafting

by Slvrgun on Mar 5, 2010 8:18 PM EST reply actions

I'm all for that.

This is the way to win, and continue winning.

by Kbot on Mar 6, 2010 12:15 AM EST up reply actions

Vito Stellino has a FRESH twitter story with Reggie Hayward:

Went out to dinner tonight and ran into reggie Hayward and his fiancee. He had a good line. he said something like the only thing he’s turned down is his collar..
I take that to mean he’ll take jags offer is there’s nothing better on the market. He indicated jags are offering more than the minimum but not much more.

What can I say… Fingers crossed….

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 5, 2010 8:51 PM EST reply actions

I'm all for

Solid drafting to build a team, but Hayward is worth more than the vet minimum. Jags are being a little bit too cheap with this free agent deal.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 5, 2010 9:04 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

you have to risk some to get some, not like Shack Harris did, but go on the line somewhat. We’re acting like virgin catholic schoolgirls right now

by bigkorean on Mar 5, 2010 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 5, 2010 11:09 PM EST up reply actions

I really want him back

in J-Ville, but we don’t exactly know how he’ll perform after that last injury. Without a lot of info I’m slow to claim a team is being cheap or stupid. I mean it wasn’t very long ago that he got that screw in his leg removed and started working out. Its a big risk right now to give him any money; especially with a good DL draft looming.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 5, 2010 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

But we only have five picks. Unless there is a surefire deal in the works, I think you either have to pay Hayward or pick up someone else.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 5, 2010 11:10 PM EST up reply actions

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Nothing to see here, move it along folks.

by BIBBEE on Mar 5, 2010 11:51 PM EST reply actions

I like the Osgood move...

Trying to see this the way Gene sees it, it makes sense…we get a guy that can help bolster our ST standings (Adding w Montel Owens…you have the best two ST aces in the league)…plus ur adding a big frame guy (6’5 220lbs) w speed who comes from a winning program (Chargers) who is hungary and can compete for #2 WR spot at relative cheap price…sound move!

Welcome to Camelot

by ArtoriusG on Mar 6, 2010 3:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions