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The saga around linebacker Jaguars Telvin Smith took a sharp turn Thursday when he announced his intention to spend the coming season to focus on health and family.
In a long Instagram post, Smith wrote that he needed to "put order in my world" and asked others "to respect my decision not to play football this season".
Smith, 28, did not explain how he had made his decision nor what personal details needed to hold the attention.
The Jaguars refused to comment until they "discuss with Telvin to understand the situation and the circumstances."
Translation: The Jaguars knew that Smith had pressing personal problems, but were probably as surprised as the entire NFL by his sudden revelation.
Coach Doug Marrone is scheduled to speak to the media on Friday for the start of the team's mini-camp rookie, which will last three days. Smith's status will undoubtedly be the main subject.
Smith has led the team in tackle over the past two years and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2017, the same season he was selected for the second All-Pro team. Since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2014, Smith has had 586 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks, 9 interceptions and five forced fumbles.
But although he became an important part of the Jaguars' defense, Smith's off-court life was apparently not so fit. He expressed this feeling Thursday while responding to commercial rumors that surfaced during the off season.
"I was told by a great coach that, for man to be at his best, he had to put his world in order," Smith wrote. "At this point, I have to take time out of this game and put order in my world, I have to give this time to myself, my family, and my health." I appreciate all the time. support that I will not get.I just ask you all respect my decision not to play football this season.
"I know rumors of trade discussions have come, but I started my career in Jacksonville and the day I do it [decide] to call it, it will be here in Duval. I love you and even in my free time it is # 10toesdwn you feel me !!! Love!"
Smith's agent could not be reached for comment.
Even before Thursday, Smith's off-season could be described as bizarre.
Smith chose not to participate in the volunteer training sessions that began on April 15 at TIAA Bank Field, which is not particularly unusual, but sparked criticism from the reception's chief, Tom. Coughlin.
What has become unusual: Marrone repeated several times last month that he was unable to reach Smith. Asked on April 22 if his inability to contact Smith was surprising, Marrone replied, "He's probably busy."
Five days later, general manager Dave Caldwell would not agree that Smith would play for the Jaguars in 2019. Caldwell said he did not want to get into hypothetical situations involving Smith and proposed an enigmatic one. We will see".
Smith recorded a video of himself Monday night and said, among other things, that he had no plans to leave Duval. These were his only known public comments of the off season before Thursday.
Smith's strange off-season is radically different from the one where he signed a $ 45 million contract extension for four years in October 2017 and was one of the team's most popular players. According to Overthecap.com, it still has three years to conclude this agreement and a salary ceiling of $ 12,560,235 is expected this season.
If Smith decides not to participate in the season, he may end up on one of the NFL's reserve lists. The Jaguars could receive a capped credit for this season, probably as much as his base salary of $ 9.75 million. It is also possible that the team recovers a portion of Smith's signing bonus, and the Jaguars will continue to claim their rights.
While Smith tries to put order in his life, the Jaguars have several options on the ground for the linebacker.
One option is to move Myles Jack to this location and insert Jake Ryan into their basic defense at the linebacker. They could also try Quincy Williams' third-round pick instead of the weak side, although he probably needs some development before he's ready. They also have veteran options such as Ramik Wilson.
Four months before the start of the September 8 season against Kansas City, the Jaguars have time to reconfigure their defense. Addressing Smith's situation seems much more urgent.
"If there is a way to support it, we must understand it," the team said in its statement.
Phillip Heilman: (904) 359-4063
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