Kirk Morrison Possible To Come Back to Jaguars

We all know the Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking for at least one linebacker in free agency, as both Kirk Morrison and Justin Durant are set to hit the market, leaving only Daryl Smith has the lone returning starter. Still on the roster is utility linebacker Russell Allen, but I'm not sure he's long-term starting material. There is also Kyle Bosworth, who was on injured reserve last season, that I'm a big fan of. He's still an unknown, however.

Due to the lockout and the uncertainty around free agency and how long or even if training camp will exist, Gene Smith didn't shut the door on Kirk Morrison returning to the Jaguars. "Kirk is a true middle linebacker-type who brought 79 starts and vocal leadership to our linebacker group last year," Gene Smith told John Oehser of Jaguars.com. "Daryl and Kirk are two experienced and trusted veterans with passion for their profession." So, it turns out the lockout could very well help the likelihood of Morrison remaining a Jaguar. 

"What happens with this unique year we're in is there's a short window to go somewhere else and learn a new system and get evaluated and have a chance to compete and make a roster," Smith said. "To him, it might be in his best interest to stay here," Smith told Oehser. "We'll add one or two guys."

It could very well be that Morrison is one of those guys. The Jaguars are going to let Morrison test free agency, but told him to keep in contact during the free agency period (when it occurs). This leads me to believe that Morrison is more of a fall back option in case the Jaguars can't land their priority target at the linebacker position, or Morrison was asking for too much money. I tend to think it's more the former than the latter. While Morrison wasn't great during his season as a Jaguar, he also wasn't terrible. In the shortened offseason, having someone who knows the system could be a big benefit.