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Jacksonville Jaguars and Julius Thomas big winners with deal

By Dan Salem

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Star tight end Julius Thomas is now a Jacksonville Jaguar. The team is an obvious winner, but is Thomas better of with Bortles over Manning? Yes, but not because of the quarterback. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD:

NFL free agency has been out in full force since last week, even though it didn’t officially start until Tuesday afternoon. A number of top-tier players returned to their respective teams. The more interesting moves though were the ones who didn’t. And out of that group, no move caught my eye more than the Jacksonville Jaguars’ signing of tight end Julius Thomas.

From Jacksonville’s point of view, this desire is obvious. Even though Thomas struggled with injuries throughout last season, he is an elite pass-catching tight end capable of shifting defensive gameplans in his direction.

Without so much as an honorable mention Pro Bowler among their skill players, the Jaguars and QB Blake Bortles need all the help they can get to score points next season.

Tight end was specifically barren last season. Limited to eight games, starter Marcedes Lewis finished the year with 206 yards. Clay Harbor was kind of okay in his stead but still finished under the 300 yard mark himself.

Enter Thomas and, assuming health, Bortles now has a legitimate weapon to throw to. Paired with this group of young wide receivers, suddenly Jax has some frisky potential to scare defenses.

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

But why would Thomas want to come to Jacksonville? Maybe he enjoys the prospects of getting in on essentially the ground floor of a young rebuild. Maybe.

But is there any possible drop-off bigger than going from Peyton Manning to Blake Bortles? Is there any downshift bigger than the Broncos to the Jags? Does Thomas know something we don’t know or was this just about the contract?

Who am I kidding; it’s always just about the contract.

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DAN:

Jacksonville is in Florida and the state of Florida has no income tax. It is also warm and sunny nearly year round. Those are two things that Denver could not offer. I’d also like to add to the mix the fact that the Broncos now have a new head coach and can realistically rely on Peyton Manning for only one or two more seasons.

Another necessity in the NFL is taking the money when you can, getting as much guaranteed money as possible. Your career can end on a single play and most players don’t find themselves as free agents more than once. Add all of this up and its no wonder Julius Thomas left the Denver Broncos for greener pastures, pun intended.

What is perplexing, outside of the obvious benefits that Florida itself provides, is the state of the Jacksonville Jaguars and their appeal to a star player like Thomas. The money is certainly appealing, and at 26 years old this might be the final large NFL contract he signs. But I think you touched on what is truly appealing about the Jaguars.

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back

Jordan Todman

(30) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Joining a team that truly needs you, a team that can grow around your strengths and become a winner is appealing. I’m no Blake Bortles fan, but he’s only played one season. You can’t judge a player, especially a quarterback, based on his rookie year alone. You know who I do like? Bortles’ backup quarterback Chad Henne.

I’m also a big fan of Cecil Shorts III (if the Jaguars re-sign the wide receiver), as well as tight end Marcedes Lewis. It’s unlikely that Thomas gets many double teams with weapons like that running routes on the opposite side of the field. Jacksonville was near worst in the league last season throwing the ball, 31st out of 32 teams. They will improve dramatically with Thomas.

If Denver is taking a step back, and the writing on the wall seems to point that way, then taking the money on a team that’s going to improve is a good football decision. The headline makes you laugh, but the analysis is sound. Julius Thomas to the Jaguars is an excellent move.

Next: Jaguars ink Davon House, a perfect fit at corner

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