JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Matt from Charles City

Disappointed in the loss, but this is the first time in almost 25-plus years I've been this optimistic about the future! For starters, let's bring back the Prowlers and bring 'em back better than ever.

There's every reason to be optimistic about the Jaguars' future as we move into the 2026 offseason. The 2025 season was about the re-setting the culture and the foundation – and not only did the Jaguars reset those things in an amazingly strong way, they won 13 regular-season games and their first AFC South title in three seasons. They were on a level with the AFC's strongest teams and played that way through the final two months of the regular season – and into the postseason. The fact that they are now a strong team with a strong foundation doesn't guarantee future success. It doesn't mean the Jaguars can stop working. And the Jaguars absolutely won't stop working. But the fact that there's a strong foundation means that that upcoming work has a very high chance to produce consistent strong results. Nothing's guarantee in the NFL. At all. But do the Jaguars have a better chance for an extended success than any time in recent memory? No doubt.

Vince from St. Augustine, FL

This has to be said. The whole story. Going into the weekend, the Jags were the best team in the AFC, and they managed to lose "the most important game in franchise history." Sure, they had an eight-game win streak, they won the AFC South, quarterback Trevor Lawrence became elite, they pounded most of the opposition. . .and now, they'll be watching the rest of the playoff games just like the rest of us. There. I feel better now that I got my frustration out and over with. Go Jags!

I agree that the Jaguars entered the postseason playing as well as – and perhaps better than – any team in the AFC. I wrote and said as much often in recent weeks. But that doesn't mean they were infinitely better than any team in the conference. It meant they deserved to be considered as good or better than any team in what seemed a very even AFC playoff field in which most of the teams had a very real chance to go to the Super Bowl. They lost a close first-round game to another team – the very experienced Buffalo Bills – that was very good and that might go to the Super Bowl. When two good teams play in the postseason, one good team wins and the other loses. For the losing team, it hurts. A lot. That hurt will linger, then ease – the way most hurts do.

Bradley from Death Valley, California

It should be noted that a successful fourth-down attempt does not automatically mean a touchdown and not every field-goal attempt goes through the uprights. Do you feel enlightened?

Every day, Bradley. Every day.

Mike from GNV

Besides cleaning out their lockers, what happens on locker cleanout day? Does each player meet with the head coach? Does the team watch film of the last game?

Players on getaway day typically meet with their position coaches. The head coach speaks to the team and many players. Players also have "exit meetings" and physicals with team physicians. Remember: Every season is its own entity and getaway day marks the end. While many players will return, the football future for most players has at least a degree of uncertainty. It's a sad, strange day in NFL circles – and it's especially sad and strange when accompanied by a sudden postseason ending.

Rob from The duuuuuuuuu

Trevor played great for most of the second half, but there are two halves in football. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was always going to score on the Bills' last three possessions – and anything less than an 8-point lead was going to lose the game when we gave him the ball with four minutes left. You can't score seven in the first half and say the offense played well. Trevor had some errant throws and miscues. Those two picks count and were very significant mistakes that affected the outcome. I love Trevor and think he can be MVP and win the Super Bowl, but the stat that made Josh better in this game was the zero turnovers. It's obvious the last pick mattered but that first one was bad and had just as significant effect on the final outcome.

You're right. Allen played three points better than Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence last Sunday, a three-point difference that on that day was all the difference that mattered.

Casey from Mudville

Are we a defensive tackle away from a Super Bowl?

You're never "one player from a Super Bowl." That's not how the NFL works and history is littered with teams that have chased a Super Bowl by signing "one player" to get there – only to have the franchise go awfully awry as a result of crazy spending. The Jaguars will work this offseason to improve a lot of areas. They will not move forward with the idea that they are "there." Or one player away. Or even close. They will stay aggressive. Perhaps very aggressive. Stay tuned.

Jadon from Raleigh, NC

Most people want to talk about the immediate free agents -- like linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne Jr. -- but considering the men up for extensions: Defensive end Travon Walker, safety Anthony Johnson, wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange. How many of those four do you think are signed to long-term deals this offseason? Especially with three of them coming off career years.

I expect at least two or three or those players to sign extensions this offseason. I expect Strange to be a priority. This doesn't mean the others aren't priorities. It's just early in the process and I don't have a feel for timing.

Hassan from Celina, TX

Looking towards next season, we don't have a lot of cap room. We have some important players hitting free agency, and we don't have a first-round pick. Is it possible the team takes a step back during the offseason? Is bringing everyone back the best-case scenario?

The Jaguars almost certainly will not bring "everybody" back next season. They will lose a well-known player or two because nearly every NFL team loses a well-known player or two every offseason. Perhaps more. I do not expect this to necessarily mean taking a "step back." Remember: While the Jaguars will lose some familiar veterans, they also have young players improving. Circle of NFL life.

Bob from Weaverville

What's our draft pick?

The Jaguars' first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft is in Round 2.

Brian from Round Rock, Texas

We are already hearing reports and speculation that our coordinators and coaches are likely to seek promotions with other teams. Why then would a team adjust the roster to suit coaches? Isn't it the coaches' jobs to mold the Xs and O' to the players you have on the team? Isn't that what they did this past year to much success?

Most coaches have a scheme they prefer to run that establishes a general approach to offense or defense. The coaches then mold the Xs and Os of that scheme to fit the players on the team. Most offenses and defenses are adaptable enough to find roles for good players.

Daniel K from Wilmington, NC

Will the Jaguars get new permanent uniforms in 2026? The current uniforms look too plain and basic.

The Jaguars will not have new permanent uniforms in 2026. I wouldn't expect new, permanent uniforms until the Stadium of the Future opens in 2028.

Rusty from New Iberia , LA

Do analytics take into account your team strengths (e.g. good in short-yardage situations) or your opponent (e.g. likely to drive down the field if you miss this fourth down)? Or is it more just a generic recommendation that all teams follow?

Analytics indeed take into account strengths, weaknesses and percentage chances of success as best as possible – and they're usually specific to teams.

Brendan from Yulee

I think part of the reason the Jags are so bad at third/fourth and short is because Trevor doesn't really work the play clock too well. Every time he waits until it's at one second left or zero, and I think this gives the defense an edge against us. Why can't we be unpredictable and snap the freakin ball at a more unpredictable moment in time?

Lawrence works the play clock fine. Remember: The Jaguars' offense – like many NFL offenses – depends heavily on reading the defense then ensuring the offense is in the right play to run against the look being presented by that defense. This process takes time, and quarterbacks are encouraged to take the time allotted. I understand that it worries and irritates fans to see the play near zero when the ball is snapped. Coaches generally do not share this concern.

Nick from Winter Park

Denial (✓) Anger (✓) Bargaining (✓) Depression (✓) Acceptance (in progress)

Fair.