AFC South Notes: Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Jaguars

There’s a strong case to be made that the Jaguars will be without one of DEs Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell next season. Ngakoue is set to be a free agent and could command a deal pushing $20 million per year, not to mention negotiations have already hit a sour note after he held out last season. And while Campbell is under contract, Jacksonville could save $15 million in cap space by releasing him, money which could be put toward keeping the younger Ngakoue. Jaguars owner Shad Khan, however, is optimistic about the chances of keeping both. 

“Both of those players — Yannick and Calais — I had chats with them after the season,” Khan said via John Oehser of the team’s website. “I would love for them to be back and I’m very hopeful they’ll be back.”

Texans

• ESPN’s Sarah Barshop says the Texans would like to bring back leading RB Carlos Hyde on a low-risk deal but won’t break the bank if another team bids on him. 
• Texans RB Lamar Miller could also return on a low-risk deal if he doesn’t find a better option on the market. 
• Barshop doesn’t see the Texans making a major free agent investment in the position given their other needs, while they could take a look at running back in the third round of the draft. 

Titans

• Per Jim Wyatt of the official team website, Titans kickers Ryan Succop and Greg Joseph will likely battle for the starting job this season. 
• Wyatt is skeptical that the Titans will exercise WR Corey Davis‘ fifth-year option this offseason. 
• According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, a four-year, $54 million deal with $34.2 million in guarantees wouldn’t be unrealistic for Titans RB Derrick Henry. 
• That would give him a higher average annual salary than Jets RB Le’Veon Bell and more guaranteed money than Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott.
• Titans QB Ryan Tannehill changed agents and is now represented by the same group that represents his teammate, Henry. (Ian Rapoport)
• The Titans promoted Burke Nihill and Gil Beverly to senior vice presidents of both the Titans and Nissan Stadium. (Paul Kuharsky)