March 2017 - Jacksonville Jaguars Wiretap

Branden Albert Announces Retirement From NFL

Jul 31, 2017 10:51 AM

Branden Albert has announced his retirement from the NFL.

Albert was acquired by the Jaguars in a trade with the Miami Dolphins on March 9, 2017.

Albert was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2015.

Albert, who missed the voluntary portion of the Jaguars' offseason program in an unsuccessful effort to renegotiate his contract, participated in the mandatory three-day minicamp in June. He said during the minicamp he planned to attend training camp and would be in shape at that time.

"After nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much," said Albert. "I would like to thank Mr. Khan and the Jaguars organization, Mr. Ross, Joe Philbin, Dennis Hickey and the Dolphins organization and Mr. Hunt, Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs organization for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime. GOD has blessed me with so much through football that I thought would never be attainable. It's been truly a blessing. I cherish all of the relationships and people I have encountered while playing in the NFL! Special thanks to Al Groh and the University of Virginia for giving me the opportunity for a great education and showing faith in me when no one else wanted to take a chance on me. I am truly thankful for my UVA family.

"This is such a special league and it's been an honor and a privilege to play this sport professionally for the past nine years. I wish Coach Marrone and my Jacksonville teammates the best of luck on their journey this season. During my short stint in Jacksonville, I quickly realized that they are working incredibly hard to turn the corner and I truly believe that they will find success in the coming years. I look forward to returning to Miami, the place that I now call 'home,' and running my businesses, while giving back to the community. While this chapter of my life is coming to an end, my story is still going and I hope you'll follow along. I will be furthering and finishing my education. GOD BLESS AND GODSPEED."

John Oehser/Jaguars.com

Tags: Jacksonville Jaguars, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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Brandon Linder Agrees To Five-Year, $51.7M Extension With Jaguars

Jul 25, 2017 8:15 PM

The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year contract extension with Brandon Linder worth $51.7 million. Linder's deal will include $24 million in guaranteed money.

The extension makes Linder the highest-paid center in NFL history.

"It means the world to me," Linder said in a statement. "I'd love to play here my whole career. I fell in love with this city and we have big things coming, changing the culture, and now we start tomorrow for training camp. I couldn't think of a better place to play my career."

Linder was the No. 5 center for Pro Football Focus last season. Linder moved from guard to center in 2016.

Ian Rapoport/NFL.com

Tags: Jacksonville Jaguars, Misc Rumor, Signing

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DeAngelo Williams Not Interested In Cowboys, Browns, Panthers, Jaguars

Jul 12, 2017 6:02 PM

DeAngelo Williams revealed he'd prefer not to play for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers or Jacksonville Jaguars.

Williams has been one of the NFL's most productive backup running backs over the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While his reasons for not wanting to play for the Browns and Jaguars were business-related, they were purely personal regarding the Panthers and Cowboys.

Williams grew up as a fan of the San Francisco 49ers.

"My fandom for the team I was raised as will not allow me to go to the Cowboys," Williams told Schefter. "I'm an '80s baby ... and the 49ers ruled the '80s. The Cowboys somewhat did something in the '90s; I even refuse to give them that. ...

"The Cowboys, they win. They just don't ever show up during the playoffs. They always disappear in the playoffs. I've got a great depiction of the Cowboys' fan base. During the regular season last year, they were on cloud nine. You couldn't tell them anything because they were going to win the 'ship -- that's all they said. Fans just got extremely super annoying. Then, the minute they lose, they either got cheated, somebody was hurt -- the excuses start flowing. It's just amazing to me. That fan base just in general can't handle defeat. Still, to this day, they say that the Dez Bryant catch against the Green Bay Packers was a catch!"

Adam Schefter/ESPN

Tags: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, Free Agent Rumor, Misc Rumor

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