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Josh McDaniels took in one of the Patriots’ castoffs, picking up RB Laurence Maroney in a trade. Maroney’s fantasy value doesn’t change unless there is an injury to Knowshon Moreno. He will merely provide depth along with Correll Buckhalter.

As for the Patriots, this solidifies Fred Taylor’s starting gig. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis will share the load.

If you were holding onto Mauroney in hopes that he would win back his starting gig with the Pats, feel free to cut him loose.

The Jags are coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in the NFL.  They, along with the Cleveland Browns, were the chic pick to get to at least the AFC title game.  Yet they finished at 5-11.

For starters the Jaguars need improved health next year, especially on their Offensive Line.  Their Left Tackle Khalif Barnes is an Unrestricted Free Agent.  He played poorly last year, and won’t likely return.  There is a good chance Charles Spencer takes over.  Center Brad Meester is also an UFA, but he may be in their plans.  Assuming Fred Taylor gives them a hometown discount, he’ll be back to compliment Maurice Jones-Drew.  I’d like to see them work another RB in the mix so he’s ready when Taylor does call it quits.  Reggie Williams took a major step back and he’s a UFA.  I could see the team going in a different direction.  Matt Jones played through the distraction of his suspension and put up solid numbers.  He could be a nice value pick next year.  TE Marcedes Lewis showed promise.  Jerry Porter is likely to be shown the door.

There aren’t too many FAs on Defense for Jacksonville.  Mike Peterson led the team in tackles, but was a major distraction.  He won’t be back.  The Jags need to get some pressure on the QB.  They were tied for 20th last year with just 29 Sacks.  Reggie Hayward’s 4.5 were good for the team lead.  Not only that, but they had the second fewest turnovers (17) in the league.  Clearly their biggest needs lie on Defense.

**Update:  Fred Taylor was cut**

KFFL Free Agent Tracker:

The Jags are coming off an excellent season that nearly ended in a trip to the Super Bowl.  The expectations are high in Northern Florida.

On Offense they are led by David Garrard, who played nearly mistake-free football last year (18 TDs to 3 INTs).  He just oozes confidence and his teammates believe in him.  He has the luxury of two dynamic Running Backs to make his life easier.  Fred Taylor is coming off a brilliant year that saw him run for 1200 yards at 5.4 per carry.  Maurice Jones-Drew is a human bowling ball that picked up nearly 1200 total yards and 9 TDs.  They truly provide a scary 1-2 punch because they both can go the distance on any given play.  Reggie Williams proved to be a TD threat with 38 catches for 629 yards and 10 TDs.  They added Troy Williamson (who’s quick as hell, but can’t catch) and Jerry Porter (whose hamstring is already acting up), but I’m not sure how much of a factor they will be.  Dennis Northcutt was solid last year (44 catches, 601 yards) and will likely catch his share of passes.  Matt “Crackman” Jones was nearly cut.    Marcedes Lewis is a nice sleeper candidate at Tight End.

On Defense the Jags excel.  Reggie Nelson and Brian Williams are an excellent pair of Safeties.  Rashean Mathis is a solid Corner.  Paul Spicer brings the heat from Defensive End.  They are looking for improved production out of Reggie Hayward as well as in impact from Rookie Derrick Harvey (who was the last first-rounder to sign).  John Henderson and Rob Meier are the Interior Lineman as Marcus Stroud has moved on to Buffalo.  At Linebacker the Jags line up Daryl Smith, MIke Peterson, and Clint Ingram.

I look for Jacksonville to take one of the Wild Card slots in the AFC.  I think they will match their 11 Win total from last year.  They have the ability to win it all, but I don’t see them winning more than one playoff game.

Fantasy-wise David Garrard is best suited to be a fantasy backup.  If you ignored the QB position and stocked up elsewhere, I can justify using him as your starter.  MJD is a worthy #2 RB because of his versatility and his TD production.  Fred Taylor is best suited as a #3 RB or a flex position starter.  I don’t like any of their wideouts, but Marcedes Lewis is a nice late pickup for a backup Tight End.  Both Jacksonville Defense and Josh Scobee are good values in the last two rounds of drafts.

We’ve done the Big Dog RBs and the Second Tier RBs, now it’s time to look at the next wave of RBs.  These are likely your #2 backs unless you opted to go QB or WR early (which isn’t a bad idea).

Willie Parker – Fast Willie piled on the yards last year (1316 to be exact), but didn’t make many trips (2) to the endzone.  I don’t see Big Ben tossing as many TD passes next year so that number should go up.  The problem I have with Willie is the drafting of Rashard Mendenhall.  He scares me if I’m a Willie Parker owner.

Jamal Lewis – Jamal had a terrific season (1552 total yards, 11 TDs) last year with Cleveland, but I just don’t trust him to be my #1 RB.  I expect their passing attack to take a step back next year, which will make it harder to run.

Ryan Grant – Ryan Grant came in and answered Green Bay’s prayers for some balance.  Lost in the whole QB debate is whether or not Grant will be a fluke.  If Rodgers struggles at QB, things could get difficult for Grant.  I’d hate to pin my hopes on him.

Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor – MJD gets the TDs.  Fred Taylor gets the yards.  Will the recipe be the same in Jacksonville next year?  Most likely.  They compliment each other so well.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners it makes it difficult to rely on either one.  Obviously I give MJD the edge because of his age and his ability to reach paydirt.

Laurence Maroney – Did you see Maroney run in the playoffs?  I’m sure the Patriot Coaches did.  Heck, they probably even have video on it.  Bad jokes aside, I see the Patriots running a more balanced attack next year.  With the holes the passing game should open, Maroney should run wild.

Ronnie Brown – Until he got hurt, Ronnie Brown was having one of the best years by any RB.  Unfortunately he blew out his knee following an Interception (thanks Cleo Lemon) and will likely take a year or so to get back to form.

Brandon Jacobs – Brandon Jacobs is a beast.  He should have plenty of opportunity to score TDs.  He needs to prove he can stay healthy.  He’ll likely have to share carries with some capable running mates.

Edgerrin James – Edge had over 1400 total yards last year, but will turn the dreaded 30 next month.  That usually doesn’t go over very well for a Running Back.  The Cards have two extraordinary WRs to keep defenses honest, but I’d be shocked if Edge replicates his 2007 campaign.

Darren McFadden – This one is based on potential, but Run DMC sure seems to be this year’s version of Adrian Peterson.  I don’t see him running for as many yards, or breaking any records, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he finished in top ten for RB fantasy scoring.

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