JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Nick from London
If the NFL and the English Premier League are the greatest two leagues in sports, it makes sense for each to try to mimic the most compelling features of the other. In which case, maybe Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone and others have merely seen the future? It is probably wise to expect trade deadline day to explode in coming years rather than snigger at that possibility. And what else? Last place in the AFC South being relegated to the SEC Conference?
The Jaguars this week traded for defensive tackles Jordan Davis (Philadelphia Eagles) and Davon Godchaux (New Orleans Saints) and safety Jessie Bates III (Atlanta Falcons), a series of high-profile trades that involved – among other factors – the Jaguars' 2027 first-round draft selection for Davis and their '27 second-round selection for Bates. I don't know that this week's Jaguars moves were about Gladstone, the Jaguars or the NFL as a whole necessarily mimicking anything or anyone as much as it's the latest example of NFL personnel people embracing the notion that midseason trades can be beneficial. The growing importance of midseason trades is a relatively recent NFL phenomenon, with the league's decision-makers long having been reluctant to such moves. And there indeed once was a time when the league collectively sniggered at the notion that midseason deals would make a significant impact in a sport as team-oriented as football. That sniggering has grown far quieter in recent seasons, which has meant the league separating into "buyers" and "sellers" at the trade deadline in a way that mimics not only the EPL, but many American professional sports leagues. Gladstone absolutely sees the trade deadline as a critical landmark of the NFL calendar, and a real opportunity for team building. This is why he considers draft selection as year-round "currency" as opposed to selections only to be used in April. This is evidenced by his actions in each of his first two seasons as the Jaguars' general manager and I expect this approach to be a significant part of how this team operates moving forward.
Chris from Jax from Jacksonville
I love the trades. I don't understand how the Jags have room under the cap. Were they that far under the cap? Can you explain?
Multiple factors enabled the Jaguars to remain under the salary cap this week. First, Bates and Godchaux are in the final seasons of their contracts, with these "expiring" contracts meaning the Jaguars aren't paying their salaries long-term or incurring much long-term cap hit. Davis' contract with the Eagles was structured in such a way that his 2026 hit for the Jaguars is relatively small and will have heavier cap ramifications for the Jaguars moving forward. If the Jaguars re-sign Bates and/or Godchaux, those contracts also would have cap ramifications in future years.
David from Austria
And suddenly everyone is talking about the Jags.
Whee.
Fred from Naples, FL
Since safety Amani Hooker was clearly available, why do you think the Jaguars chose Jessie Bates instead of him? Hooker is younger, having a better year and was available for basically the same compensation.
The Jaguars "chose" Bates because he's a high-end player who fits the organization. I don't know the team's interest in Hooker, but he played for the Tennessee Titans. They're in the Jaguars' division, which means a trade was unlikely if not impossible.
Greg from Boise, ID
So, I am guessing there is not enough money left to be able to keep wide receiver Parker Washington.
You're guessing incorrectly.
Sal from Austin, TX
Will we see the prowlers one time in the playoffs?
The Jaguars' "Prowler" throwback uniforms are considered alternate jerseys, and the NFL does not allow alternate jerseys to be worn in the postseason.
Sean from Oakleaf, FL
Is there any potential synergy reuniting 2021 National Champion Georgia Bulldog teammates Jordan Davis and Travon Walker on the Jaguar defensive line? They have probably played a lot of collegiate snaps together.
Yes, there is. Yes, they have.
Chris from Mandarin, FL
If Jessie Bates III fits and they re-sign him, will the Jaguars opt to then not re-sign or franchise Parker Washington or is there more money in the banana stand?
This isn't necessarily an if-then scenario involving Bates and Washington. Washington's contract situation matters a great deal for the Jaguars' 2027 salary cap because if they place the franchise tag on him his 2027 cap number will be really, really high and if they agree to a long-term deal his cap number is much, much lower. A long-term deal for Washington therefore will matter very much for the Jaguars to retain some desired players.
Don from Marshall, NC
Jordan Davis is a special athlete and player! There might be one similar to him in the upcoming draft, but I doubt it! His bonus was already paid by the Eagles. The way I see it, the Jaguars used a late round first rounder next year for a Pro Bowler who plays this year! And a second the following year. Tell me why this was a bad deal because I kind of feel it is a spectacular deal! Go Jaguars!
When it comes to seeing the benefits of Davis, and how the Jaguars acquired him, and understanding a lot of stuff that a lot of people don't, Don remains "all in."
Pedal Bin, IFOTY from Farnborough, Hampshire, UK
Oh Mighty 'O' / King of All Funk, guess we are going "all in" on winning the Super Bowl this year. Who needs draft picks in 2027! Guess we will find out on 14 February 2027.
Monday's trades in no way preclude the Jaguars from being an elite, competitive team after the 2026 season.
Eli from Jacksonville
Do you think the NFL is considering the side window where you can hear the conversation between head official and home office? That level of transparency is something college football has done right. Thx!
Yes, I expect the NFL is considering this.
Ron from Orlando, FL
What sequence of events happens when a player is traded midseason? Is the agent notified first or does he and the player find out from an Adam Schefter notification? Do they immediately jump on a plane and head to the new team as soon as they find out? What type of assistance/services are offered to the player from the old and new team? Thank you, sir!
The trading team typically notifies the traded player as soon as possible, which ideally means before the trade is reported in the media. Players typically fly to their new team's facility as quickly as possible – often the same day. The new team provides accommodations, travel to the new city, assistance adjusting to the new city, etc.
Cory from Alexandria, VA
Sometimes the NFL will notify a team if it was a victim of an officiating mistake. Does the NFL also sometimes notify a team if it benefitted from an officiating mistake? If so, are fouls ever called on a defender who tries to utilize the "Peanut Punch" to cause a ball carrier to fumble but misses the football and punches the ball carrier?
Teams indeed will notify teams of officiating mistakes, though these notifications rarely become public. This applies to both victims and beneficiaries, though human nature is such that the former cares more than the latter. Yes, the NFL does sometimes penalize Peanut Punches when the outcome of the "punch" does not match the intention.
Raymond Sis from Windermere, Fl
Apparently, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has missed 89 minutes of action already this year. We need a quarterback that can actually FINISH games. We failed to get this person at the trade deadline. We are likely cooked.
Raymond Sis' got jokes.
Brad from Myrtle Beach, SC
With blockbuster trades and a flex to an afternoon prime showcase game against the New York Giants, a loss to our struggling division rival would be a major embarrassment and damage our hard-earned national reputation. Is this the most important game in team history?
One loss in the NFL does not qualify as a major embarrassment, at least not to people knowledgeable about the NFL. That said, Sunday's game will be the most important game in franchise history. At least it will be on Sunday.
Ricky from Duval
The draft is breaking people's brains. People will say a first and a second … that's worth a Hall of Fame player and a plus starter! Look at the years past … first and second rounders, as many competent/not-star, players as busts. Gladstone using picks to get players, 6-feet-6 330-pound players who you can't just manifest out of nothing. This makes good sense to me. The draft is important for young, cheap talent, but premium position players don't come cheap. It makes me long for the days when you would read about who the jags got in the sixth round and say who, rather than hear about how a team got snowed for over drafting. The Jags' brain trust is amazing.
One fer Gladstone.
