Tag: Dave Caldwell

Free agency provides the Jags with best chance to land a starter at TE

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a variety of needs but one of their most pressing without a doubt is at tight end. It seems as though they’ve been trying to address the position for much of Dave Caldwell’s career as general manager and he’ll once …

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a variety of needs but one of their most pressing without a doubt is at tight end. It seems as though they’ve been trying to address the position for much of Dave Caldwell’s career as general manager and he’ll once again be left looking for answers at the position in 2020.

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Caldwell’s first big attempt at fixing the position came when the team signed Julius Thomas to an expensive five-year, $46 million contract in 2015. However, injuries held him back and he was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins within two seasons.

In 2018, the team released longtime veteran Marcedes Lewis and tried to replace him with tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. That approach didn’t pan out either as he didn’t have the second year of his contract picked up.

Last offseason, the team took a different approach and used the draft to pick up a tight end by selecting Josh Oliver in the third-round. Unfortunately, just like their other attempts at the position, it didn’t pan out although the young tight end has plenty of time to blossom into a starter in the future.

Now, with an important offseason coming up, the Jags once again don’t know who their starter will be at the position in 2020. Three of their eight tight ends are set to hit free agency in April in Seth DeValve, Nick O’Leary, and Ben Koyack.

Additionally, veteran Geoff Swaim could be a cap casualty, which could leave the Jags with just Oliver, Charles Jones, James O’Shaugnessy (a favorite target of Gardner Minshew), and Matt Skol. Clearly, that means the Jags could look to add a No. 1 at the position this offseason, even with the returns of promising players like O’Shaugnessy, and Oliver. 

When looking at the Jags’ failures to find a No. 1 at the position regardless of their approach, the big question fans will have going into 2020 is whether they should look to get a No. 1 out of the draft or free agency. Upon looking at the options this offseason, it appears the answer may be to try and land a veteran as the tight end free-agent class for 2020 is set to have several stars.

Per Over the Cap, some of the marquee names who will hit the market include Indy’s Eric Ebron, Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers and Austin Hooper of the Atlanta Falcons. All three are under the age of 28 and are currently in their primes, which could make them perfect to lead the Jags’ tight end group.

If the Jags are looking for experience, Ebron could be intriguing as 2020 will mark his sixth season, giving him the edge over Hooper and Henry, who will be entering their fourth seasons. The Jags also might be intrigued by Ebron because of their familiarity with him as he’s put up some big-time numbers against them while at Indy. That was especially the case when looking at his 2018 season as he caught 66 passes for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns, all of which were career-high figures.

With Colts general manager Chris Ballard stating that the team will “probably move on” from the veteran, it appears the Jags are guaranteed to have an opportunity to sign Ebron, but of course, they’ll have to get their cap situation right. Once that happens, it’s a given they’ll start trying to add weapons for whoever the 2020 starter at quarterback is and coordinator John DeFilippo, who really needs some production at tight end for his scheme to flourish.

As for Henry and Hooper, both are young and will be coming off career years. Hooper finished the 2019 season with nearly 800 yards and six touchdowns and hasn’t had a season with less than 500 yards since his rookie year. Meanwhile, Henry will be coming off a 2019 season in which he accumulated 652 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also at least accumulated 478 yards or more since entering the league, which like Hooper, marks the kind of production the Jags haven’t had at the position for a while.

Of course, granted the age of all of the aforementioned players, none of them may come cheap and that may be a problem with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue needing a new deal. However, Caldwell and cap specialist John Idzik have been solid in making space for free-agents, so there may be a solution for them to get one big free agent and sign Ngakoue, too.

GM Dave Caldwell calls getting Yannick Ngakoue re-signed Jags’ No. 1 priority

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that both general manager Dave Caldwell and coach Doug Marrone would be returning to their roles in 2020 after owner Shad Khan met with both Tuesday and throughout the previous week. After the news broke, both got …

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that both general manager Dave Caldwell and coach Doug Marrone would be returning to their roles in 2020 after owner Shad Khan met with both Tuesday and throughout the previous week. After the news broke, both got back to work and had a presser for the media, which provided some details on where the team will go from here.

There was a lot to unpack from the presser but the most important nugget to take from it was that Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell want pending free-agent edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue back on a long-term deal.

″I think you guys all know in this room how both Doug and I feel about Yannick through our conversations over the years,″ Caldwell said Tuesday. ″He is a tremendous player and even a better person. How he handled his business this year was tremendous. But I would say that’s priority No. 1 to make sure he comes back to Jacksonville and that he’s a Jacksonville Jaguar. Hopefully, we can get that done where he’s here for a long period of time.″

Ngakoue has been the topic of the last two postseason’s being that he’s one of the Jags’ best young players who they would be wise to keep being that they have a strong young nucleus of talent. In the postseason of 2018, there was what fans felt was a lackadaisical attempt to sign Ngakoue with Tom Coughlin leading the way. However, with a new power structure and Caldwell now answering only to Shad Khan, it appears the veteran general manager will look to do whatever he can to retain what looks to be his best remaining draft pick.

Ngakoue has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Jags since being drafted in the third-round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In totality, he’s managed to accumulate 122 career tackles, 37.5 career sacks (good for the second-highest total in franchise history) and has been a turnover machine with 14 career forced fumbles. Simply put, he’s been a model player for the locker room and Caldwell likely knows what has to be done to start moving away from Coughlin’s culture which felt like it was more about punishing players than rewarding them.

The first order of business will be for Caldwell to get the Jags’ cap situation right, which will involve parting ways with some key veterans and restructuring some pricey contracts. Once that’s done, the Jags should likely lay low in free-agency and focus on taking care of Ngakoue instead of burning a lot of cash on players from other teams as they’ve done in the past.

As for the contract he could be looking for, he may be looking to top Demarcus Lawrence’s five-year contract worth $105 million with $65 million guaranteed after having one of his better all-around seasons as a pass-rusher and run defender. Sure, it won’t be an easy deal to iron out, but maybe with some cap gymnastics, the Jags can finally pay a player who has earned his money accordingly.

WATCH: Jacksonville Jaguars keep Doug Marrone, Dave Caldwell

Jaguars owner Shad Khan said both Marrone and Dave Caldwell, Jacksonville’s general manager, are staying with the franchise.

Reports from NFL insiders on Saturday said Doug Marrone would be done in Jacksonville following their season finale on Sunday.

But on Tuesday, Jaguars owner Shad Khan said both Marrone and Dave Caldwell, Jacksonville’s general manager, are staying with the franchise.

The Jaguars went 5-11 in 2018 and 6-10 in 2019, last in the AFC South both seasons.

In his statement released Tuesday, Khan said he held “positive meetings” with Marrone, Caldwell, members of the coaching staff and players over the past few days, leaving him inclined to keep Marrone and Caldwell on board.

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Jacksonville Jaguars keep Doug Marrone, Dave Caldwell (Jaguarswire)

Jaguars owner Shad Khan said both Marrone and Dave Caldwell, Jacksonville’s general manager, are staying with the franchise.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan said both Marrone and Dave Caldwell, Jacksonville’s general manager, are staying with the franchise.

HC Doug Marrone, GM Dave Caldwell to return to Jags in 2020

Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell will be returning in 2020 as Shad Khan wants to see what both can do with Tom Coughlin out of the picture.

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According to reports, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone will be returning to his role with the team in 2020. General manager Dave Caldwell will be, too.

Marrone’s return comes after some fans were calling for a shake-up after he registered his second consecutive double digit-loss season in 2019 (6-10). In his first season in 2017, the Jags compiled a 10-6 record where they would go on a lengthy playoff run only to fall to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. However since that season, they’ve gone 11-21, with a 5-11 season occurring in 2018.

The move comes after the Jaguars also let go of former football executive Tom Coughlin prior to Week 16’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. It was reported by several media insiders that owner Shad Khan preferred to keep both Marrone and Caldwell with Coughlin out of the picture, and that’s exactly what happened Tuesday for the veteran head coach and general manager.

Marrone was well respected by the Jaguars locker room despite a tumultuous season. Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette was one of many players to praise his former head coach a few weeks ago when asked about him after Coughlin’s firing:

“I don’t know [if it’s an organizational problem with the NFLPA],” Fournette said. “As far as the money part, I think it’s kind of extreme sometimes. To see what I seen today [with the grievance situation] was crazy. Individually, I don’t know what happened to cause it, but I’m glad [Dante Fowler jr.] got his money back, or will be getting his money back. Whatever the case may be. I think that Doug is doing an excellent job of trying to communicate with the players and build a better relationship with the players No. 1. That’s all I can speak on is coach Doug.”

Of the Jags’ top personnel members, many fans have long held the belief that Marrone deserved the least amount of blame for the Jags’ shortcomings and most believed Caldwell and Coughlin deserved more of the blame than anyone. However, Marrone didn’t make any excuses and issued a heartfelt apology to the fans and sponsors early last week.

Marrone was initially brought into the organization in 2015 as the teams assistant head coach and offensive line coach in 2015 under Gus Bradley. When Bradley was fired, he was promoted to the head coaching role in 2017.

Report: Jaguars ownership to meet with Doug Marrone Tuesday as uncertainty surrounds his job status

Doug Marrone’s fate could be decided soon as he’ll meet with Jags ownership Tuesday morning.

With Black Monday finally arriving, several teams are currently in the process of filling their head coaching vacancies while some others have yet to make a decision. The Jacksonville Jaguars are amongst those who have been quiet this week despite how disappointing the season was, but it may not be that way for long.

Per ESPN insider Adam Schefter, ownership plans to meet with Marrone Tuesday morning, and in all probability, a decision will be made at that point.

With the meeting coming after Black Monday, my initial thought is that Marrone might be safe. In today’s competitive league, teams need to get a head start when their respective coaching vacancies become available after the season and the fact that the Jags aren’t showing urgency may mean they would prefer to keep Marrone as Ian Rapoport’s report from Week 16 suggested.

Another takeaway I gathered from Schefter’s report is that it seems possible that general manager Dave Caldwell is safe being that he wasn’t mentioned. However, with him being the longest-tenured decision maker outside of ownership (was hired in 2013), most fans feel like his time should be up, but time will tell if that’s the case. In his seven years in the Jags front office, the team has only produced one winning season (2017), which explains the fanbase’s desire for a change as his other six seasons have resulted in double-digit losses.

As for Marrone, he’s managed to accumulate a record of 21-27 as head coach of the Jags. He’s been the team’s head coach since 2017 but previously served as an assistant head coach, offensive line coach, and interim head coach with the Jags in 2015-16.

How to watch, stream, listen to Colts vs. Jags

The Jags will take the field one last time in 2019 and here is how to catch all the action.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take the field for one last battle in 2019 and it will be against a familiar foe in the Indianapolis Colts. They will enter the game as six-point underdogs and will have an uphill battle to climb as running back Leonard Fournette will sit out with the flu.

Sunday’s game could also mark the last for coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, both personnel members had a good chance to return as of last week but the team suffered another double-digit loss after the report surfaced, so both could leave the stadium looking for jobs Week 17.

With fans anticipating an offseason full of changes after Sunday’s game, here is how to watch stream and listen to Sunday’s season finale:

Game Information

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Jaguars official smartphone app for select affiliate markets

Television

Action News CBS 47 (locally)

View coverage map here.

Radio

1010XL AM and 92.5 FM (flagship) Jaguars Radio Network

Sirius: Jaguars internet channel 814 (feed channel 135) Colts internet channel 813 (feed channel 108) 

Extras

Connect with us on Twitter (@TheJaguarsWire) and Facebook

Follow our comrades over at Colts Wire

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Winners and Losers from Jaguars vs. Falcons

In another disappointing defeat here are the winners and losers from the Week 16 match-up against the Falcons.

After coming off of an intense come from behind victory last week in Oakland, fans thought maybe this was the turning point for the Jacksonville Jaguars to get back on track the last two weeks of the season. This unfortunately was not the case as the team lost another game by a double-digit margin, as they fell to the Atlanta Falcons 24-12.

In another disappointing defeat here are the winners and losers from the Week 16 matchup against the Falcons:

Winners

Leonard Fournette

I’ve got to give it to Leonard Fournette, he has been nothing but reliable, consistent and productive in 2019. This offseason, Fournette took a look at himself in the mirror and dedicated himself to the game. He spent some time in Wyoming, preparing himself mentally and physically for the upcoming season and it has worked wonders for the star running back. In 2019, Fournette has gone on to lead the team both in receptions and total yardage.

He’s simply been remarkable. From the talk of much frustration from fans to a fan-favorite, Fournette certainly has put his money where his mouth is. Despite the issues of the Jags’ offensive line Fournette currently is fourth in the league in total yardage, with an astounding 1,674 yards from scrimmage. Against the Falcons, he was once again electric as the back totaled 105 yards on 18 touches. He’s been arguably the team’s best offensive player and figures to be a focal point of the offense going forward.

Tre Herndon

Once again, I have to give credit where credit is due. Herndon hasn’t been a top tier cornerback this season and the Jags can’t expect that out of a player  rushed into a starting line-up after replacing one of the best in the game. However, Tre Herndon has exceeded all expectations set for him. Against 2016 All-Pro Matt Ryan and future Hall of Famer Julio Jones, Herndon was able to nab an under thrown deep ball from Ryan, recording his third pick of the year.

Amazingly, Herndon currently leads the team in interceptions and has proved he deserves a shot to be the team’s No. 2 corner going forward. He still has a lot to learn, but I truly believe Herndon can be a impactful long-term starter for this team.

Losers

Gardner Minshew II

Following the conclusion of the game, I was surprised I was able to come up with two deserving winners from such a disappointing game against the Falcons. The scary part is that the three most important figures in the Jacksonville franchise are listed as losers this week.

In a seemingly never-ending prove it game for Gardner Minshew II, the young gun-slinger was only able to connect on just 13 of his 31 passes for under 200 yards. And while the offensive line play wasn’t the best, he’s found ways to be more productive in the past.

The passing game never seemed to get going and it led to a dismal 12-point performance from the offense. Minshew has certainly played better than we all could have ever hoped for in 2019, however, Minshew must show enough to warrant the spot as the 2020 starting quarterback for Jacksonville. Sunday, he wasn’t able to do that.

Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell

This one had to sting for Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell. Before the game, it was reported that both were likely to retain their jobs with the franchise, but a sixth double-digit loss in the last seven weeks certainly doesn’t help their cause. The team is struggling mightily and the staff and front office have one game left to show that they deserve to be spared by owner Shad Khan.

Admittedly, Marrone has been dealt a difficult hand this season no doubt. Some of his best players have been missing for a large part of the season and his quarterback went down in the first ten plays of the season, but that doesn’t mean this season should be dismissed. The team has struggled and there must be accountability for the poor play that the fans have witnessed all season long.

Report: HC Doug Marrone, GM Dave Caldwell have a “good chance” to return to Jags in 2020

The Jags may not make a head coaching or general manager change in 2020 with Tom Coughlin now out of the picture.

Despite football executive Tom Coughlin being fired, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone has stressed that he’s focused on fighting for his job with just two games left. If he has a strong showing in the process, it appears both he and Dave Caldwell will keep their jobs in 2020, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

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With Black Monday just over a week away, Rapoport stated something fans already knew and that was the fact that Coughlin didn’t make anyone’s job easier, including that of Marrone and probably Caldwell, too. For that reason, owner Shad Khan wants to see how the two do without Coughlin making the atmosphere tense.

Rapoport is right about how detrimental Coughlin was for the organization as he chased away some solid players, most notably Jalen Ramsey. However, several players have come out to say they appreciated Marrone’s communication with them throughout the year, with the most recent being Leonard Fournette. Their respect for Marrone also was on display in last Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders, as they went out and fought hard for him and got the victory.

As for Caldwell, it’s very possible Coughlin made some decisions that he didn’t agree with. Shelling out a boatload of money to Nick Foles in free-agency may be at the top of the list and the handling of the top-3 picks from Caldwell’s 2016 class (which consisted of Ramsey, Myles Jack, and Yannick Ngakoue) also may not be something he was happy with.

Personally, I think the Jags should pull off a clean sweep because making half measure changes has never worked for them. They did it in the past by keeping Caldwell and firing Gus Bradley, and prior to that by keeping general manager Gene Smith and pairing him with Mike Mularkey. Both situations ended up being catastrophic and the Jags have only had one winning season during Khan’s whole tenure.

Additionally, the Jags have looked very unprepared since coming from their bye week. They went through a stretch where they lost five games by 17 points or more, which hadn’t been done since the 80s. Sure, a lot of that was a result of Todd Wash’s struggles as a defensive coordinator, but it isn’t as if the Jags have looked good on offense either through the stretch.