Jordan Black released

Not much going on today in Jaguars world.

Jordan Black was released. He started nine games for the Jags last year but if you listened closely there were plenty of rumblings about him not playing well. It hasn't been uncommon for Gene Smith to release players who had played fairly significant roles the previous season (Torry Holt, Fred Taylor). Then, it was pitched as part of the process of getting younger, and that's a fair description, but this move also probably reflects the idea that if someone is given a chance, and they aren't good enough, then there's no sense in keeping them around. Jordan Black is an average to below average player and the offseason should offer plenty of chances to acquire a replacement.

I suppose money could have been a factor. According to PFT (not sure where they got it from, I couldn't verify), Black was due a 1.1 million salary. I'm not sure how carefully they choose that wording but if part of that was due as a roster bonus on a certain date then maybe a decision had to be made sooner rather than later. In any case, the minimum salary next year in the NFL is approximately $300,000 for a first year player. That sucks for Black cause even if he is a better player than the 1st or 2nd year guy, the team can save 600-800K by going with the younger guy. To put that in perspective, $500,000 isn't a bad rough estimate for a game of concession sales ($10 profit/person * 50,000 persons). I don't really know if that played a factor but as Vic use to say, it's professional football, it's about the money.

-Q