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With the franchise tag placed on Donovin Darius and the salary cap number set at around $80.5 million by the NFL, the Jaguars now can get serious about their moves in free-agency. Their off-season moves remain a moving puzzle, with the parts acquired changing once a hole is filled. Darius’ $4.1 million salary will count 100% against the Jaguars cap number this year, leaving them about $8 million under the cap. They won’t go out and spend it all in the free-agent signing period, instead they’ll pick and choose their spots and make sure thay have some money under the cap to spend during the season in case they need to pick somebody up because of injury or simple lack of performance.
The Jaguars are expected to be pretty active in the signing period beginning March 3, most notably looking for a cornerback with some experience. If they can acquire the corner they want, they’ll turn their attention immediately to the draft. Holding the 9th overall pick in the first round, there will be plenty of options for the Jaguars in that spot. Especially now with Mike Williams entering the draft, the Jaguars will be able to pick between wide receiver, outside linebacker or rush end. Or if they think they can get the right value, trading down might be an option as well.
They’ll be doing their mock drafts, figuring out the needs of teams in front of them and deciding who might be there with the 9th pick. If that player is “cant’t miss” and can be an impact starter in 2004, they’ll stay right there and use the pick. If they think they can acquire another late first rounder or possibly even an additional second round pick by moving out of that spot, they’ll only consider it if they’re not sure about who’s left at number nine. So it’s a continual chess game, moving the pieces around until they fit.
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