NFL Free Agency: Why the Jags Need to Sign Clint Session

The Jacksonville Jaguars were atop the AFC South after Week 15 and in line for a playoff spot before the Indianapolis Colts overtook them and claimed the division.

Now, the Jaguars are trying to take something away from the Colts.

The Florida Times-Union and ProFootballTalk.com are reporting that Jacksonville is in negotiation with Colts linebacker Clint Session to fill their open starting slot which was vacated by free agent Justin Durant.

This would be the second move in as many days for the Jaguars, who finished 8-8 last season, second in the division behind their arch rivals. Tuesday evening brought Paul Posluszny to Jacksonville from Buffalo to help fill the middle of the 4-3 defense implemented by defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

While there is no official word yet whether Session, a fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh in 2007 by his current team, has signed with Jacksonville, the possibility of him leaving his current situation to come south and play for a team in the division would be quite a coup for the Jaguars and would send a message to the rest of the AFC and the NFL that this team is serious about making a splash in free agency.

“They love him, and he would love to be a part of them, and we’re trying to make that love affair happen,” his agent said in an article on ProFootballTalk.com.

Session was hurt most of last season with an elbow injury and played in only five games for the Colts. He would be part of a starting lineup that included the newly-signed Posluszny and veteran holdover, Daryl Smith, who led the team in tackles last year.

This would shore up a very weak spot for Jacksonville and take away a player from a rival team, which is always a positive going into a new season.

The Jaguars brass, which includes owner Wayne Weaver and general manager Gene Smith have stated all along they would be major players in free agency. With $32 million to spend on the open market and the ability to borrow an additional $3 million from another year’s salary cap, they wanted to make improvements to their secondary, which had 13 interceptions last season and the pass rush, which has 26 sacks in 2010.

If the team does sign Session, it allows management to now concentrate on other areas of concern.

There had been rumors about the team’s interest in Posluszny during the NFL lockout, as well as their desire to speak with safety Eric Weddle. Weddle signed with his current team, San Diego.

There is still need in the secondary, but if Session is signed, it would appear the team has one of the strongest linebacking units in the conference. Session, a six-foot, 235-pounder, gives them another force in the front seven of the defense.

The secondary still needs to be addressed.

The team has also been working with their Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis on a contract extension.

There is no word yet on any terms of a deal or the length of a contract the two sides are working on.

For his career, Session has 261 career tackles, 1.5 sacks and four interceptions.