And the first domino falls …
While the Denver Broncos would have liked to have Malik Jackson back, it looks as if he’ll be following in the footsteps of Julius Thomas and Zane Beadles, as he’ll be taking his talents to Jacksonville.
It's a 6-year deal for the #Jaguars and DT Malik Jackson. He'll sign when the league year opens tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
According to Mike Klis of KUSA, the deal will make Jackson the fourth highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL; Adam Schefter reports that the deal will clock in right around $15 million, just as our own Eric Goodman reported last month.
If and when DL Malik Jackson does sign with Jacksonville, deal expected to come in at about $15 million per season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016
The deal will be made official once free agency begins tomorrow, but this means that John Elway and the Broncos may have to start looking outside of their locker room for talent. As we detailed last week, there are several free agent defensive linemen who could make sense in Denver if the Broncos are willing to spend the money.
According to Spotrac, the Denver Broncos have an estimated $13.7 million in cap space. It’ll be interesting to see how they use it.
One things for sure, though, even Jackson’s teammates and ex-teamates can’t blame him for taking the money.
Malik Jackson is an impact player and he definitely is the type of player that changes a defense and franchise
— Terrance Knighton (@Coach_Knighton) March 8, 2016
Malik bout to get that check!! 💵💰💰💰
— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh) March 8, 2016
— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh) March 8, 2016
I want all my dawgs to get BIG bags!!!
— Omar C. Bolden (@OmarBolden) March 8, 2016
