Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith hinted that some big news was coming later this week, and we now know what he meant. Thursday, the veteran linebacker announced that he’ll be stepping away from football this upcoming season via Instagram.
Smith, 28, began to become one of the Jags’ most puzzling storylines after the team reportedly lost contact with him during their voluntary offseason workouts. The situation then became an even larger deal when Jags personnel executive Tom Coughlin called him and Jalen Ramsey out for their absences of the program, but we now understand why Smith decided to stay away from the team’s facility.
Earlier this week, Smith insisted that he wanted to remain a Jag regardless of his future on Instagram Live, so this appears to be a case where health might be the reason he’ll be stepping away from the game as opposed to the front office. Despite playing in all 16 regular season games, he battled a shoulder injury in 2018. In 2017, he battled a concussion which kept him out for two games, which may be the injury that predominantly is influencing his decision.
Smith will leave the pending season with 586 tackles to his name along with 7.5 sacks, nine interceptions, five forced fumbles and three touchdowns. Atop the list to place Smith could be 2019 third-round selection Quincy Williams. The Jags could also move linebacker Myles Jack to Smith’s spot, first-round pick Josh Allen to the strong-side and veteran Jake Ryan to the middle if they prefer a veteran presence on the weak-side.
