Jacksonville Jaguars Reportedly Claim Jason Babin off Waivers

After surprisingly being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles, it didn't take veteran defensive end Jason Babin long to find a new home. He was reportedly claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter shared the news via Twitter:

"

Jaguars claimed Jason Babin.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2012"

Once a player is cut after the trade deadline he goes on waivers, at which point teams can claim that player and assume his contract and services.

Teams get a shot at the player in order of current records. By virtue of their 2-9 record, the Jaguars were the second team with a chance to claim Babin. The Kansas City Chiefs passed on the chance to add the veteran pass-rusher. 

It was not a surprise that Babin was reportedly claimed so quickly. The 32-year-old has 5.5 sacks on the season, which led the Eagles, and combined to put up 30.5 sacks the previous two seasons. While his numbers are down a bit from the previous two seasons, he is still a force, and he was slowed early by a calf injury. He has three sacks in his last four games. 

This was a real gift for the Jaguars, who desperately needed a boost to their pass rush. They were tied for last in the NFL for sacks, and they are last in sack percentage. They need a lineman who can win one-on-one matchups, and Babin can do that. 

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Babin's contract will pay him "$4.325 million in 2013, $6.175 million in 2014, and $6.15 million in 2014."

That's a relative bargain considering his pass-rushing prowess, although it might not be such a bargain when he is 35 in the final year. Still, this was a no-brainer for the Jaguars.