AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

• New Colts TE Trey Burton told reporters that he was surprised the Bears released him, as he didn’t get the feeling he would be cut at the end of the season or during offseason conversations. (Joel A. Erickson)
• Burton said he was misdiagnosed before the start of last season and had a surgery that was fairly extensive. Burton feels he rushed back instead of taking the time to get ready. (Joel A. Erickson)
• Regarding why the Colts did not select a quarterback through the first two days of the 2020 NFL Draft, GM Chris Ballard reiterated that they were not going to “force” themselves to draft one: “I told y’all the other day: we’re not going to force that.” (Andrew Walker)
• As for trading up for second-round RB Jonathan Taylor, Ballard said the prospect has “unique talent” and felt they needed to pursue him: “He’s a unique talent, and anytime a unique talent starts to fall a little bit, at that point we were like, ‘Man, we need to go get the player.’” (Walker)

Jaguars

Jaguars’ second-round WR Laviska Shenault said his core surgery, which is now fully recovered, prevented him from having one of the “greatest college seasons ever” in 2018 and resulted in him losing draft stock. 

“I think I would’ve put up 1 of the greatest college seasons ever from a WR if I didn’t get hurt…I was going into that 5th game (in ’18) w/ 700+y—I had 5rTDs & 6recTDs. Would’ve been a whole different world (in ’19) if I didn’t get hurt.” via Josina Anderson. 

Shenault said he is eager to prove himself in the Jaguars’ offseason program. 

“When we step on that field Day 1 and everyone is reporting, you can’t do too much talking…I’m the type of guy that is going to show you, more than talk about it when the time comes,” said Shenault, via Anderson.

• Ian Rapoport reports that Shenault is, in fact, completely recovered from core muscle surgery. 
• Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell would not comment on whether RB Leonard Fournette was on the trade block (Hays Carlyon)

Texans

Texans HC Bill O’Brien said they would like to sign QB Deshaun Watson to a longterm extension but still need more time to get “into the details” of a contract.  

“Look, I think any time we can try to get something done with Deshaun would be great, but again, these things take time,” O’Brien said, via ProFootballTalk. “I don’t want to get into all the details of it. I know there’s a lot out there about where we are. We have a great relationship with Deshaun. We have a great relationship with his agent. Very good open lines of communication. Really haven’t gotten into the details of anything right now, but obviously we want Deshaun Watson to be the quarterback here for a long time, so we’ll see how it all plays out.”

• Texans’ fourth-round OT Charlie Heck said he can play both tackle positions and plans to add weight with his development: “I can play both tackle spots. As I develop under the Texans coaching staff and add weight, I think it’s a really good spot for me.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Wilson notes that Heck fits in as the Texans’ new swing tackle behind Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard. 
• Tunsil’s three-year, $66 million extension includes a $13 million signing bonus and a four-year value of $76.35 million with $57.85 million in guarantees. (Wilson)
• Tunsil is owed $10.85 million guaranteed in 2020, has $16.85M guaranteed in 2021, $10 million of his $17.85 base salary in 2022 is guaranteed, and carries a non-guaranteed $18.5 million base salary in 2023. 
• Texans’ fifth-round WR Isaiah Coulter said he met with Texans at the NFL Combine and believes there is already “great chemistry” with the program: “Great chemistry, it’s a great fit.” (Wilson) 
• Regarding coming out of Rhode Island, Coulter said he plays with a chip on his shoulder and is eager to prove himself: “I play with a chip on my shoulder. I’m just ready to play. I’m going to prove myself and put my best foot forward.” (Wilson)
• Texans undrafted G Cordell Iwuagwu signed for $20,000 guaranteed with a $10,000 signing bonus and $10,000 of his base salary guaranteed. UDFA RB Scottie Phillips‘ deal includes a $10,000 signing bonus. (Wilson)