JACKSONVILLE, Fla – The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered another loss along their defensive line when veteran Aaron Lynch told them on Monday he was stepping down for personal reasons, the team said.
The 27-year-old is the sixth defensive lineman to retire, be injured or retire since July 31. problem.
“The only thing I think I’ve learned in the history of this league is that even if you do all of these moves or do all of these things to make things right and you feel comfortable , at any time, those things can change, “Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said at a Monday morning press conference.” And you have to be prepared and you have to be able to do it. I know there’s going to be a lot of writing about, kind of like you said, these plans that they have, were blown up. But it’s also a great opportunity and a great challenge for these other guys to get back on their feet, and if that happens it’s great, especially the youngsters.
“The guys we’re talking about [that are not available] were experienced guys, guys who’ve done it before. By having these types of veterans brought in, we still have a good mix, but now it’s a little more about the younger guys and the guys who came here to step up. “
Lynch has 20 sacks in six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears. He signed a one-year contract worth $ 1.01 million with the Jaguars in March. He is Jacksonville’s third free agent who will not play this season.
Tackle Al Woods, who signed a one-year deal in March, has pulled out due to the coronavirus. Gunter had signed a three-year contract worth $ 18 million. Woods and Gunter were signed to replace Marcell Dareus and Calais Campbell.
The team declined to choose Dareus’ 2020 option, a move that saved the team $ 19.5 million. The Jaguars traded Campbell, who was set to earn $ 15 million and have $ 17.5 against the salary cap this season, to the Baltimore Ravens in March for a fifth-round pick the team used to take the safety of Auburn Daniel Thomas.
Linebacker / linebacker Lerentee McCray has also stepped down due to the coronavirus. Tackles Dontavius Russell (hip) and Brian Price (knee) were placed on IR, although Price received an injury settlement and was released on Monday.
DE Yannick Ngakoue has not signed his franchise offer and has not been to training camp, although he has had several conversations with Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell since his agent’s dismissal last week last.
.
