Jacksonville Jaguars: Two great moves solidify defense
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars made two great moves that will solidify the defense moving forward, bolstering an already impressive unit.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made two moves during their bye week. First, Telvin Smith signed a new contract extension. Marcell Dareus was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in a trade on Friday.
Smith enters the 2017 season in the final year of his rookie contract. He was the Jaguars fifth round selection in the 2014 draft. He has blossomed in the Jacksonville defense. Pro Football Focus Edge ranks Smith as the third best linebacker with an elite 90.9 rating.
Smith signed a new four year deal on Wednesday. Smith talks about what his new contract means to him, per John Oehser of Jaguars.com:
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"“I am excited about the opportunity to continue my career in Jacksonville and stay with the team that believed in me coming into the league in 2014, …It’s been a privilege these last four years, and there is so much that I want to accomplish…everyone is committed to our goal of winning football games. I am honored to be a part of that culture and help continue to lead this team in the right direction.”"
Through seven games, Smith has made 58 tackles and one sack. He has intercepted two passes with one that was returned for a 28 yard touchdown against Pittsburgh. Jacksonville needs to be commended for getting Smith’s extension done. However, the Jaguars were not finished in their dealings.
Jacksonville and the Buffalo Bills made a trade on Friday. The Jaguars acquired Dareus to bolster the defensive line especially to stop the opponents run game. Buffalo received a 2018 late draft pick.
Dareus was Buffalo’s first round selection in the 2011 NFL draft. Dareus will be a strong run stuffer due to his size at 6-3, 319 pounds. He has made 205 tackles with 35 sacks in his career. He and Malik Jackson will control the interior of the line.
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Doug Marrone also coached Dareus at Buffalo in 2013 and 2014. Due to prior experience with Marrone, he knows what to expect when he enters the locker room. Dareus was named to the Pro Bowl while playing for Marrone.
Finally, Dareus’ contract expires in 2022 along with Jackson’s, according to spotrac.com. This locks up the defensive interior for a long time. The future looks bright because of this move, it potentially transforms the defensive line into the “Teal Curtain”.