Report: Jaguars Agree to Terms With Jason Spitz

by Alfie Crow on Jul 28, 2011 10:45 PM EDT in 2011 Jaguars Free Agency

We learned late at practice today that the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms with a 3-year contract with Jacksonville native offensive lineman Jason Spitz. Spitz played high school football at Bolles High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a third round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2006 out of Louisville. Spitz started at guard and center for the Green Bay Packers his rookie year and remained the starter before suffering a back injury 5-games into the season in 2009 that landed him on injured reserve.

Spitz was active for all 16 games for the Packers in 2010, but didn't start any games. Spitz is expected to come in immediately and compete for the starting left guard position and likely take over for veteran center Brad Meester in 2012, as this is the last year of Meester's contract. The signing of Spitz was made necessary with the release of Justin Smiley and last year's starting left guard, Vince Manuwai, failing his physical and being place in the non-football injury list.

Spitz is a good player when healthy on the interior line and shouldn't have much of a problem winning the job, as the signing could very well signal the end of Vince Manuwai's reign at the left guard position, and his spot on the Jaguars.

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I thought it was interesting

that adam caplan tweeted that spitz could be moved to center as a replacement when meester retires slows down to the point of not being able to be good. Good job of Gene getting a versitle linemen

by hawk16lx on Jul 28, 2011 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

Why would be Vinnie done?

He is out of shape, but he can get his form back. I think Spitz is an insurrance pickup, who might challenge even Meester later.

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by Zoltan from Budapest on Jul 28, 2011 10:49 PM EDT reply actions

apparently his foot injury and personal problems are the reason

by montanajagsfan on Jul 28, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry dunno why it didn't post my comment

Apparently his foot injury and personal problems are more of a reason

by montanajagsfan on Jul 28, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Manuwai probably won’t be able to practice for a while. Spitz will likely start at left guard with Will Rackley as the swing guard. Next year, Rackley will takeover at LG with Spitz sliding over the center.

If Manuwai’s injury keeps him out for too long, he’ll be released. He’s due close to $3M.

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by Alfie Crow on Jul 28, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounds good. Believe it or not, Manuwai’s time is close to up

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Is it finally time to draft a QB?

by TheTealDeal on Jul 29, 2011 12:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

The Saints!!!!

NO signed SD RB Darren Sproles to 2 year contract.

by xPxPlayaxRx on Jul 28, 2011 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

how many running backs do they need?

by montanajagsfan on Jul 28, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

remember, last year, they were down to their 4th stringer

by Joe Fisher on Jul 28, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone see how awesome

Rackley and Uche looked at guard with their dreads?

by rws591 on Jul 28, 2011 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

i can imagine.

All-PREDATOR guards ;)

by UCLAllDay on Jul 29, 2011 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Grade: 66

Comment: Spitz missed most of the 2009 season with an injury. He is a versatile player who can be effective as both a guard and centere. He has average size and functional strength, which hinders his effectiveness at the point of attack. Spitz is a smart, instinctive player who wins with technique, toughness and effort. He is a solid reactor as plays unfold and is able to reset his feet when he feels himself getting out of position. Spitz has been a solid performer but doesn’t have the physical tools or size to be outstanding at his craft.

by Obst on Jul 28, 2011 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

Do we need outstanding at that position?

Technique is a hell of an asset

by Joe Fisher on Jul 28, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree. I love how he is described. Versatile, smart, wins with technique, toughness and effort and is a solid performer. Sounds like a perfect fit for us, he could start at guard if Vinny isn’t ready and they don’t want to throw Rackley right into the fire and then take over at center once Meester retires or if he gets hurt. I really like this signing.

by Obst on Jul 28, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

He sounds like he'll be a good back up

And maybe, just maybe a starter

by montanajagsfan on Jul 29, 2011 12:37 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

First practice report!!!

by xPxPlayaxRx on Jul 28, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

Nice pickup.

I like this move; at the very least, it provides motivation for Manuwai to get his act together; at best, we’ve got a replacement for him (at last).

by BrotherFlounder on Jul 28, 2011 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Good signing for you guys

He’s a solid interior lineman, and should be a fixture on the interior for the length of his contract. His versatility is a plus, as he can play any of the 3 interior positions. Tough to say what his best position is, he’s pretty equal at all three. Plug him in whatever is the weakest C/G spot. He never had any problems with C-QB exchange (either under center or shotgun) that I can recall.

13.

by Wiedmann on Jul 28, 2011 11:43 PM EDT reply actions