Jaguars Free Agency Day 1 Recap

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The Jaguars had a busy day on the first day of 2016 NFL Free Agency, but some fans would liked to have seen to see more. 

By Jordan de Lugo

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Who They Missed

The Jaguars missed out on two players that they were linked to by many members of the media, likely due to money. The Jaguars were favored by many to land Bruce Irvin and Olivier Vernon, but lost out to the Raiders and Giants respectively. Irvin got $37 million over four years, a lofty price for a player who recorded only 38 total tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2015, but not unthinkable.  Vernon, however, got a record setting deal for a defensive lineman. He will reportedly earn $85 million over five years with over $52 million guaranteed -- more guaranteed money than J.J. Watt. While they could of used the help of those two players and player like J.R. Sweezy and Janoris Jenkins, they still made some power moves and will be linked to several more free agents over the next couple days. 

Who They Got

Malik Jackson - Jackson is a defensive lineman who plays mostly inside, but can also play outside in pass rushing situations. He is a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line forcing the most quarterback pressures in the NFL against guards and 60 total quarterback pressures in 2015. He ways nearly 300 pounds, but his 6'5'' frame gives him the look of a explosive force. Jackson will start immediately for the Jags and will command the attention of offensive coordinators. Expectations will be high for a guy who recorded only 5 sacks in 2015 and will be earning around $15 million a year with the Jags. 

Chris Ivory - Ivory is an impressive back who is only 28 years old. With what should be several good years left in the tank, Ivory will be bring a violent running style and serious attitude to a Jaguars offense that lacked the ability to run the ball effectively in 2015. For the Jets in 2015, Ivory averaged 4.3 yards per carry, hammering his way to the AFC Rushing Title. Ivory also scored 7 touchdowns -- 4 more then the Jaguars in 2015. He will presumably split time with second year running back T.J. Yeldon who had an impressive year himself. And to the rejoice of Jaguar fans everywhere, they will no longer have to see Toby Gerhart get stuffed over and over in short yardage situations. Ivory will earn just over $6 million a year for five years, almost nothing when you consider the Jaguars will save over $3 million when the cut Gerhart. 

Tashaun Gipson - On the field the 25 year old safety will have a ton of responsibility as the Jags starting safety and should be up to the task. Gipson is a proven playmaker who is coming off his worst season as a pro in which he recorded only 2 interceptions (wish a Jaguars safety would have had two picks last year). Prior to the 2015 season which was a dumpster fire for the Browns, Gipson was a beast. He recorded 11 total interceptions in 2013 and 14', a number that Jags fans would give anything for. Get excited Jaguars fans, there's a new safety in town. 
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Brad Nortman - Nortman is not an overly impressive signing, but a necessary one. What lead to this move is that the special teams philosophy of the Jaguars and former punter Bryan Anger just didn't mix and he wanted out. Plus anger will always be known in Jax as they player they drafted in front of Russel Wilson. Anger actually has better overall stats than Nortman, but when a player wants out you must find his replacement and the Jaguars did do that. Nortman is not a bad replacement by any means and could gel better with the Jaguars special teams unit. Norman's signed a four year deal with the team. 

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How'd They Do?

The Jags missed out on several free agents that they reportedly coveted, but they did do a good job. Jackson, Gipson, and Ivory offer immediate upgrades to areas of need -- pass rush, pass coverage, and the rushing attack, while Nortman will be a valuable and necessary replacement for the Jags.  Good day Jags, now keep working!

Stay tuned for more updates

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