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The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed defensive end Jason Babin off waivers late last season, after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles and seen as a disruptive player on the team. At the time, the Jaguars were so desperate for a pass rush that it didn't seem to be a problem, in regards to adding Babin to the team.
Fast forward to 2013 and an offseason program as the LEO end under Gus Bradley, and the Jaguars head coach couldn't be more pleased with the 33-year old pass rusher.
"Unbelievable. I can look you in the eye and say that; he’s been tremendous," Bradley told reporters after practice on Tuesday. "He’s been tremendous for our culture , he adds to it. I can’t compare to where he was but all I can say is that he’s been awesome."
There wasn't much rumbling about Babin being a poor influence in the Jaguars locker room, but he seemed to have that rap on past teams. Babin has appeared to embrace the culture that general manager Dave Caldwell and Gus Bradley are installing in Jacksonville.
"Some coaches kind of outline that there's a competition, we all know who it's going to be," Babin said after practice on Thursday. "But here? It's a genuine competition and you can respect that and you can enjoy that."
Even when Babin isn't practicing, he's in the ear of the younger defensive ends and assisting them how he can. Babin may not be with the Jaguars beyond the 2013 season, as the team is rebuilding and his salary spikes to $6 million in 2014, but he appears to be making a positive impact on and off the field.