(02-20-2022, 11:12 AM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote: (02-20-2022, 09:35 AM)RicoTx Wrote: This sentiment that 'nobody wants to play for Jacksonville' is ridiculous. If we outbid another team, high-priced free agents will play here.
The notion that money trumps everything is ridiculous and one sided. Maybe that is the case for some people, but not most people. Personally, you could offer me a billion dollars to move to NYC and I'd turn it down. There is no amount of money in the world to make me wanna live there. Money just isn't that important to me. It's nice, but as long as I have enough to pay my bills and have a little extra, I'd rather be happy and live far from the city. I bet winning matters a lot more to most players than who offers them the biggest contract.
Your point about not wanting to live in NYC is a good one. I agree that I'd never want to live there. However, I believe your argument supports the notion why a free agent would strongly consider Jacksonville. The climate here is a huge plus as there are several people who want no part of the frigid winters which most NFL cities have. Quality of life is a huge factor and not many people enjoy driving in the snow or having to be outside in the freezing weather. Jacksonville obviously does not have the same cultural advantages of a NYC or LA, however it is clearly vastly improved from years ago when there was no professional team here. Just take a look at the concerts which have taken place here just prior to COVID. Being able to go golfing/fishing 12 months a year also is evidence of a positive quality of life.
The argument about choosing a winning team is definitely something to be considered. The Jaguars have been a disaster for close to 15 years, with the exception of 2017. However, everyone knows that this team has never had a quarterback with the ability of Trevor Lawrence nor a coach with the resume of Pederson. While it is totally unrealistic to believe that the Jaguars will be playoff-bound next season. it is not too far-fetched to convince a free agent that the Jaguars of 2023-24 could possibly replicate what the Bengals did last season. One can nit-pick about the difference in talent between these teams, however I believe the current team has more talent than they are given credit for. Walker Little, Andre Cisco and Tyson Campbell may turn out to be key parts of this roster once they gain experience and have the benefit of better coaching. If we draft Aiden Hutchinson, he and Josh Allen should provide an excellent pass rush which will make things much easier for the secondary. With the large salary cap, it is not inconceivable that they could add 3 very good players at positions of need such as receiver, tight end and offensive line. What they are unable to accomplish in free agency can be addressed in the draft by having the first pick in every round. I don't expect every need to be addressed this off-season, however even the Super Bowl Bengals got there with a poor offensive line.
I totally understand the great frustration among our fan-base. Fifteen years is a a long time to only have one winning team. Being a season ticket-holder since day 1, my frustration is equal to or greater than even the most negative people on this board. However, having been a fan of the NFL for over 50 years, I remember how bad the Steelers, Patriots and Bucs- to name just 3- have been during their extended losing seasons. Now that the Jaguars finally have a franchise quarterback, I believe they will be turning things around. Khan will be hiring someone above Baalke, so the argument that he will prevent the team from acquiring good talent will not be legitimate going forward.
