Free Agents

 

Julius Thomas - TE - 5 year / $42.5 million / $20 million guaranteed

Devin McCourty - FS - 4 year / $34 million / $19 million guaranteed


Brian Bulaga - RT - 5 year / $35 million / $17 million guaranteed

Rodney Hudson - C - 5 year / $32.5 million / $15.125 million guaranteed

Nick Fairley - UT - 3 year / $10 million / $6 million guaranteed

 

CAP USED: $33.33 million

 

DRAFT

 

1. Leonard Williams - LDE/UT

2. Vic Beasley - LEO

3. Paul Dawson - OTTO

4. Preston Smith - LDE

5. Arie Kouandjio - G/RT

6. Antwan Goodley - WR

7. Shaquille Mason - G/C

 

Emphasis on free agency is to provide Bortles with proper protection and the Jags pluck one of the best C in the NFL from KC since Justin Houston was unable to hit the open market. Bulaga is a continued trend with this philosophy and GB is unable to match the contract details that the Jags offer to Bulaga. Same can be said for McCourty (Belichick is notorious for not paying top dollar for his players).

 

Julius Thomas provides Bortles a better receiving option than Marcedes Lewis, who is cut to make room for Thomas, while also earning roughly the same yearly - nearly a straight swap but Thomas promises better production. Last free agent signed is Nick Fairley who will sign on a "prove-it" basis to earn another more lucrative contract down the road should he show the Jags front office that he is healthy and productive enough to warrant an extension.

 

Emphasis on the draft is to pick the best player available since majority of the rookies will not likely be starters. Leonard Williams is drafted and he eases Red Bryant's role until Bryant is completely an afterthought. Leo and Nick Fairley will rotate at the UT position until Sen is ready to man it once again. Vic Beasley slides to the top of the 2nd round due to weight concerns but is easily worthy of the selection. Paul Dawson helps shore up the otherside of the LB corps and is plugged into OTTO for time being while groomed for the eventual takeover for Poz. Rest of the draftees are depth players who provide plenty of upside with proper coaching - looking at you Doug Marrone and Jerry Sullivan.

---