JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shad Khan Owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on before ... [+]
While the Jaguars prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers there is a lot of news coming out of Jacksonville, FL. Here’s a look at four topics that are grabbing headlines.
1. Jaguars Owner Invests in Black News Channel
Forbes.com lists the net worth of Jaguars owner Shad Khan at approximately $8 Billion. Khan disclosed to the Associated Press this week that he will be the majority owner in a national Black News Channel that is set to launch in November. While Khan would not reveal how much money he is investing in the network aimed toward African American news, he admitted it would be substantial.
“It’s significant and frankly, it’s open ended,” Khan told the Associated Press. “The investment continues to make sure that not only are the bricks and mortar, the equipment are really what it takes to make an excellent product, but also the people on the air and the programming costs. It’s whatever it takes.”
2. Shad Khan Reiterates He Does Not Plan To Trade Jalen Ramsey
Khan also told the Associated Press the Jaguars do not have plans to ship unhappy cornerback Jalen Ramsey out of town, despite his request for a trade.
“Obviously, football is a team sport and I’m sensitive to what individual insight or viewpoint or requests [there] might be,” Khan told the Associated Press. “But, we have to do the right thing for the team.”
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands on the ... [+]
Ramsey requested a trade after the Jaguars’ loss to the Texans in Houston on September 15thafter an in-game altercation with Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and a conversation with the team’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Tom Coughlin. Despite winning their last two games without the services of their disgruntled cornerback, the Jaguars do not appear to be moving him any time soon.
Ramsey signed a four-year $23,351,000 contract with the Jaguars in 2016 that included a $15,182,546 signing bonus, $22,901,000 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $5,837,750 according to Spotrac.com. This year he will earn a base salary of $3,634,227 while carrying a cap hit of $7,429,865 and a dead cap value of $7,429,865 also per Spotrac.com. The Jaguars exercised a $13.7 million fifth-year option for 2020 in February.
“We value the values Jalen adds to us, to the Jaguars,” Khan also told the Associated Press. “I think we value him highly. “We’re still looking at what is the right thing for the Jaguars, and I think right now the best thing is to have him be part of the team”.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) high fives NFL Network's Michael Irvin, ... [+]
3. Minshew Magic Alive And Well In Jacksonville
Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew continues to capture the attention of football fans in Florida and beyond. Around Jacksonville, he is fully aware of the popularity of “Minshew Mania”.
“You can’t help but notice it,” Minshew admitted to reporters in Jacksonville on Wednesday. “But, you just try to – it’s outside. It’s not in this building and it doesn’t have anything to do with what we do out there. So, just try to keep it there and not worry about it when it’s football time.”
Minshew was also asked to weigh in on the topic of college compensation. The Washington State product provided a rather diplomatic response to reporters.
“I don’t have too strong of a stance on it. I think it’s awesome to have that opportunity to play,” he said. “I do think people should be able to get what they deserve, but it’s such a special thing to be able to play college football also, so I can see both sides.”
The 23-year-old was drafted in the sixth round (178 overall) of the 2019 Draft. He is in the first year of his four-year, $2,710,884 contract with Jacksonville. The deal included a $190,884 signing bonus, $190,884 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $677,721 according to Spotrac.com. This season he will earn a base salary of $495,000 and a signing bonus of $190,884 while carrying a cap hit of $542,721 and a dead cap value of $190,884 also per Spotrac.com.
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo, above, celebrates with teammates after making a game-winning ... [+]
4. Josh Lambo Lands AFC Special Teams Player Of The Week Honors
Kicker Josh Lambo was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his 14-point performance against the Broncos on Sunday. His consistency has been rock solid for the Jaguars who signed the fifth year kicker to a $15.4 million dollar contract extension in February according to Spotrac.com. With time expiring in Denver, and facing 22 MPH winds, he kicked a 33-yard game-winning field goal to seal the Jaguars Week 4 Win. He is the only kicker in the NFL this season to have converted on 100 percent of his kicks (10 for 10) with at least 10 attempts.
