JAGUARS NEWS: MANUWAI PASSES AT 38, JAGS DECLINED BRIDGEWATER TRADE

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Jaguars news and notes from the weekend that was.
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"A Jaguars bye week weekend won't offer much in the way of news . . . right?"

Wrong. 

The biggest news story out of Jags Land this weekend is that former offensive lineman Vince Manuwai, 38, passed away on Sunday. According to a report he collapsed and died while moving into an apartment in his hometown. 

Manuwai is not only well remembered as one of the best guards in Jaguars history, but he's a legend in Hawaii and is one of the best to ever do it at the University of Hawaii. 

He's thought of fondly by teammates and coaches alike. Several former Jaguars teammates, including Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith, offered their condolences via social media. 

The Jaguars organization released a statement: "We are saddened by the news of Vince Manuwai’s passing. Vince was a quiet, strong, reliable and respected member of the Jaguars family for eight seasons. Throughout his career he was a key part of our offensive line, and the way he went about doing his job was a great example for his teammates and others. We offer our condolences, our thoughts and our thanks for the Manuwai family in remembrance of Vince.”

It is indeed a sad day for Jag Nation. 

Manuwai started 105 games for the Jaguars from 2003-2010 and played in three playoff games. While he never earned Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors, Manuwai was as consistent as they come along the Jaguars interior. 

I'll be keeping Manuwai's family, including his six children, in my thoughts. 

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The Jaguars news cycle didn't stop there this weekend. According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS, the Jaguars declined a Jets trade offer earlier this year that would have sent Dante Fowler Jr. to New York and Teddy Bridgewater to Jacksonville, straight up.

This is exactly the type of deal the Jaguars should have made. 

Don't get me wrong, getting a third and a fifth from the Rams for Dante right before the trade deadline was a good deal. But had the Jaguars secured the rights to Teddy Bridgewater earlier in the season, not only could it have lit a fire under Blake Bortles, but it would have ensured that if Bortles did underperform, like he has so many times in the past, that the Jaguars would have had a quality starter ready to replace him and potentially earn a long term deal. 

The Jaguars stubbornness with their former first round pick at QB has cost them greatly so far in 2018. Now, instead of having a QB you feel good about long term, the Jaguars are stuck in the unenviable position of deciding what to do with Blake Bortles (and his contract) and how to find some competent play at QB now and in the future. They'll likely have to spend an early draft pick on a QB in 2019. 

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!