AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Titans

Colts

Colts GM Chris Ballard does not think having QBs Jacoby Brissett and Philip Rivers, who is set to make $25 million next season, does long-term damage to the organization.

“Even with both (Rivers and Brissett) under contract, it doesn’t hurt us long-term,” Ballard says, Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “Mike Bluem, our cap guy, has done such a tremendous job with the cap and our cash that we are in a unique spot here in being able to do this. From a cap standpoint, sometimes you wouldn’t be able to make these moves.”

Regarding Ballard uncharacteristically spending for Rivers, the GM called the quarterback position “unique” and said they landed a potential Hall of Famer. 

“I think the quarterback position is a little bit different than the rest of them,” Ballard said.  “This situation was a little bit unique. Because it is the quarterback position, and because of (Rivers’) stature, it just made it a unique opportunity. You have a potential Hall of Fame quarterback hit the market that has history with both our head coach and offensive coordinator.”

• Michael Giardi mentions that Colts S Malik Hooker is a name to keep an eye on in potential trades, as he could be on the move. 

Jaguars

• Gil Brandt believes that Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette is the “most likely” veteran to be traded at some point during the 2020 NFL Draft. 
• CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora says he’s had several general managers raise the possibility of Jacksonville trading up with the Giants to get to No. 4 overall. 
• However, when he last checked ESPN’s Jordan Raanan said that didn’t seem like that was likely.
• Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson mentions the Jaguars at No. 9 overall are seen as a target pick for teams trading up for offensive tackle help. 
• He adds Jacksonville is having a hard time finding takers for Fournette and DE Yannick Ngakoue, meaning they’ll likely have to take a discount to get a deal done.
• Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline says the Jaguars have been desperately shopping Ngakoue trying to get a first-round pick for him. 
• He adds if Jacksonville is successful in getting a first-round pick they plan to select a quarterback at some point tonight. Jacksonville is also high on Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland. 
• Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio says the idea of the Jaguars drafting Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa has gained some steam in the pre-draft grapevine. 
• Ian Rapoport mentions that the Jaguars have been in touch with the Lions about the No. 3 pick and could move up for an offensive tackle such Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. Rapoport says Jacksonville would move Cam Robinson to guard and keep Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. 

Titans

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions the Titans as a team that could bail from the back of the first round given the meat of this class is seen as between picks 20 and 50. Tennessee picks No. 29.