Jacksonville Jaguars: Should Paul Posluszny be re-signed for 2018?
By Larry Brake
Paul Posluszny becomes an unrestricted free agent in March. Should the Jacksonville Jaguars bring him back because of his loyalty to the team?
In the NFL world, loyalty is often a one-sided term. The Jacksonville Jaguars have several decisions concerning which free agents to re-sign for the 2018 season. Should Jacksonville bring back Paul Posluszsny as a sign of loyalty to a fan favorite?
Posluszny signed with Jacksonville in 2011. The Jaguars won a total of twenty two games from 2011 through 2016. Currently, Posluszny is the leading tackler in Jaguars franchise history with 586. Posluszny was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He was selected in the second round of the 2007 draft. Posluszny recorded 295 tackles from 2007 through 2010.
Michael DiRocco of ESPN discussed the possibility of Jacksonville re-signing Posluszny in relatively blunt terms:
"“He is not expected to be back after seven seasons with the Jaguars, especially with the development of second-year player Myles Jack.”"
Jacksonville used Posluszny primarily as a run stopper this past season. Since Father Time catches up with everyone, the Jaguars may elect to let him walk away.
Gene Frenette of Jacksonville.com reported Posluszny comments:
"“I don’t want to play football for anybody else,” Posluszny said. “I want to be a Jaguar forever. That would be a hard decision if Jacksonville says, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ I love the game so much and I want to keep playing.”"
There are many, many jerseys with the number 51 sitting in the stands. Would the Jaguars just let him go? Should Posluszny take a pay cut for a reduced role in the defensive scheme?
Frenette quoted defensive coordinator Todd Wash about the value of Posluszny:
"…. Wash said. “…. Poz is the granddaddy of all of them. It’s important you have good camaraderie and just the type of leadership and work ethic that Poz brings to the table every day…. We’ve been around some very good players in our time, but what he does every day is amazing. He’s like a machine.”"
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Yes, Jacksonville needs to re-sign Posluszny and perhaps in a reduced role as a player. However, give him the option of joining the coaching staff. Most of all, Posluszny needs to retire wearing the Jaguars uniform because of his loyalty.