AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

• Colts owner Jim Irsay says he had “serious” discussions with former QB Peyton Manning about their general manager vacancy prior to hiring Chris Ballard and “there was definitely some interest on both sides” for a possible “President/GM” type role. (Andrew Walker)
• In the end, Manning elected to stay retired on focus on his family.
• Irsay added that the Colts also had discussions with former C Jeff Saturday this offseason about a role as an offensive line coach, but he decided to stay retired as well. (Andrew Walker)

Jaguars

• Jaguars HC Doug Marrone thinks the Jaguars got a steal with WR Chris Conley: “Chris’ best football hasn’t even come yet.” (Daniel Popper)
• New LB Jake Ryan will not displace LB Myles Jack in the middle, per Marrone.  (Popper)
• Marrone expects WR Marqise Lee to return late in the preseason. (Popper)

Texans

The Texans aren’t expecting to see LB Jadeveon Clowney when offseason activities start April 15, as the two sides continue to negotiate a long-term alternative to the franchise tag.  

“It’ll be interesting,” HC Bill O’Brien said via the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain. “We try to do the best we can to represent our organization in the best way possible relative to each player. JD has been a really good player for us every year. I have a great fondness for Jadeveon. He’s a good teammate (and) a good guy. (He) plays hard and (makes) a lot of plays for us.”

• The Texans will host Maryland S Darnell Savage for a visit.  (Aaron Wilson)

Titans

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk acknowledged the team still isn’t sure if QB Marcus Mariota is a franchise quarterback.  

“Marcus, I want him to be successful,” Strunk said via Jim Wyatt of the team’s website. “I want him to be our franchise quarterback. It was a tough year from an injury standpoint last year, and I know that Marcus is raring to go and prove that he can be that guy.”