There was a very interesting article about Reggie Hayward in today's (May 19) Florida Times-Union.

The article, written by Vito Stellino, dealt with Hayward's concerns during the off-season about staying in Jacksonville. He saw big-name veterans Fred Taylor, Mike Peterson, and Paul Spicer leave the team, and thought he saw the writing on the wall.

"You get nervous when some of the older big dogs are deciding to vacate," Hayward said in Stellino's story. "You start looking round the room. You are on deck."

I found it fascinating that the soon-to-be nine-year vet would be so frank about his perceived future with the franchise.

Perhaps what is more interesting is the fact that Hayward ever seriously thought his spot with Jacksonville was ever in jeopardy.

On one hand, Hayward did have some cause for concern. His production has slipped in recent years. After recording 8.5 sacks in his first year in Jacksonville, he has only had eight total sacks in the past two seasons. He tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of the 2006 season, and hasn't been the same since.

On the other hand, Paul Spicer's departure (he ended up rejoining former teammate Bobby McCray in New Orleans) left Hayward as the most experienced defensive end on the team. Hayward's influence as elder statesmen of the DEs is especially important for two up-and-coming guys in Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey.

If Hayward can tutor the duo and help them develop, Jacksonville's pass rush could be very formidable.