Moves Jacksonville Jaguars Will Regret Not Making This Offseason
As with every franchise, there are going to be missed opportunities and decisions that the Jacksonville Jaguars will regret. It's no secret that the job of running an NFL franchise is incredibly difficult, and from the best to the worst, there are always mistakes and regrets.
However, I think the Jaguars have done very well for themselves this offseason. They've picked up much-needed upgrades at various positions and were able to bring a veteran presence at the same time.
The moves made have been sensible, smart moves that most of the fanbase have been appreciative of. However, while the offseason has gone very well, it isn't perfect.
The Jaguars have fallen short in certain situations. There were a few key players and re-signings the Jaguars could have made that would have put this team closer to where it wants to be.
But, for whatever reason, deals didn't work out, or it didn't fit general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley's vision. While the mistakes aren't fatal, they're still there, and we'll see if they hurt the Jaguars in 2015.
Let's dive into the moves the Jaguars will regret not making this offseason.
Not Re-Signing J.T. Thomas III
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J.T. Thomas III was a player who wasn't starter-worthy, but he should have definitely earned a spot on the roster for at least the 2015 season. Thomas made plays for the Jaguars at the outside linebacker position and could've been an important asset on and off the field.
Thomas was arguably the Jaguars' best linebacker in 2014; his ability to make big plays and change the course of the game was understated.
In 2014, Thomas had two interceptions, forced two fumbles and recovered a fumble. Combined with 51 solo tackles, 84 combined tackles and five passes defended, Thomas' 2014 was absolutely incredible.
He created momentum in various games for the Jaguars, and his value in that regard is one of the immeasurable benefits of having a young, impactful player.
He looked extremely comfortable and seemed to be excelling in his role with the Jaguars. However, the Jaguars did not see him as a part of the future.
The signing of Dan Skuta all but replaced Thomas, but having him as a backup for either side would've been great. Instead, Thomas is now with the New York Giants, and the Jaguars will have to look elsewhere for quality depth.
Not Landing Randall Cobb or Another Top Receiver in Free Agency
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The Jaguars must either really like a player in the draft or are committed to the idea of Justin Blackmon returning for the 2015 season. Both are plausible, but there were some great free-agency options the Jaguars missed out on.
Randall Cobb was on top of my list, and many other lists, and for good reason. Besides his injured 2013 season, Cobb has slowly shown that he's one of the NFL's best receivers. His progression with the Green Bay Packers culminated in a 91-reception, 1,287-yard, 12-touchdown 2014.
While it may have never been in the cards for Cobb to come to Duval County, it would've been nice to know the Jaguars made a direct push for him.
However, there were plenty of other options available as well, and the Jaguars never seemed to come close to someone such as Jeremy Maclin, Stevie Johnson or Torrey Smith.
If the Jaguars are committed to a player in the draft, it's understandable; however, if they believe Blackmon is their preferred option, that may be a serious mistake.
I don't see how Blackmon can come back and take on a role that someone like Maclin or Smith can offer. However, there's no way to tell exactly what's happening at the front office, so I digress.
There are still some options, but not landing one of the top receivers in this year's draft may really hurt the Jaguars in 2015.
Not Re-Signing Alan Ball
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Alan Ball was by no means one of the top players on the Jaguars roster, but he had an important place in Jacksonville. He was a leader and veteran for the secondary, and while the Jaguars replaced Will Blackmon with Davon House, they will most likely miss his presence.
Ball had three interceptions in two seasons and really didn't get a fair chance at a new contract due to his injury troubles in 2014. His 2013 season was incredible with two interceptions, 41 solo tackles and 14 passes defended, and if he was given another shot, he could've been a terrific backup.
However, despite his injury and age (30), Ball would've been a great signing for a young secondary that includes guys entering their second and third years on the team.
When Blackmon was released, I fully expected the Jaguars to re-sign Ball, but they didn't see him as an important asset to a young team.
The Jaguars may feel that this young crop of corners may not need more than what House brings to the team, but if that's the case, I disagree. The Jaguars want to have a young team, but Ball would've been a great third or fourth receiver who would've improved the secondary as a whole.
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Missing Out on Devin McCourty
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Last season, the Jaguars decided to sign players such as Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, to bring in the attitude of Super Bowl champions and their on-field ability. They could've done that again in 2015, but instead they missed out on Devin McCourty.
McCourty is a top NFL safety, and as a Super Bowl champ, he could've brought a lot to the field and to the locker room. McCourty has consistently been a valuable member of the Patriots for the past five seasons and has been known as an important contributor in big games.
McCourty would've been an expensive option, and that may have been the aspect that stopped the Jaguars from really pursuing him. However, the Jaguars still had (and have) plenty of cap space, per Spotrac.
The Jaguars shelled out big dollars for tight end Julius Thomas and can finally say that they have a top-five player for his position. Being able to say that for McCourty as well would've been incredible.
The signing of Sergio Brown was a cost-effective and useful signing, but McCourty is on a different level entirely. A player such as McCourty gives a defense a leader and a playmaker, and that's just not something that Brown or any of the other safeties can offer.
Losing DeMarco Murray to the Philadelphia Eagles
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As was the case with McCourty, the Jaguars had a legitimate chance at one of the best players in the NFL in DeMarco Murray. Murray has been the Dallas Cowboys' offensive force for the past two seasons, and the Jaguars should have capitalized on his availability.
Murray went from good to great in 2013 and 2014. His 2014 season totaled 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 carries, and he became the driving force for the Cowboys' push to the playoffs.
The Jaguars still do not have a top running back, and bringing Murray to Duval County could have easily solved that problem. Murray has a great combination of speed, strength and, in only his fifth season, he would have been an option for years to come, not just for 2015.
Like tight end Julius Thomas, Murray is a player defenses have to prepare for. He would have opened up the passing game for quarterback Blake Bortles. Having Murray adding another dimension to the Jaguars offense could've been dangerous.
It hurts more that the Jaguars lost Murray to the Philadelphia Eagles rather than the Cowboys re-signing him. He hit the open market, and the Jaguars weren't able to bring him to Jacksonville, despite their best efforts.
He may have been an expensive option, but with the cap space the Jaguars had, there's no real reason they wouldn't have been able to throw down that kind of money.
The Jaguars may have missed out on some top players and key re-signings, but the offseason has gone well. It's never easy to make big decisions such as the ones the Jaguars face, but they have to move on.
They may regret not making some of the moves, but that's part of the business. They don't have the luxury of stopping and regretting the past, and they probably won't. They'll continue with the draft, and maybe free agency, and build a team they are confident in.
All stats were provided by ESPN.com, unless otherwise stated.
Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.
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