Jags hit Darius with franchise tag

[WebHamster]

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville Jaguars have designated starting strong safety Donovin Darius as their franchise player.

Darius also garnered the franchise tag last season and could get a one-year contract for $4.1 million -- the average of the five highest-paid safeties in the league.

The Syracuse product, though, was not designated as the "exclusive franchise player," meaning he could still sign elsewhere. However, the team that signs Darius would have to give Jacksonville two first-round picks as compensation.

Jacksonville can remove the franchise tag from the 28-year-old defensive back at any time and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

A 1998 first-round pick, Darius has played six seasons in the NFL -- all with Jacksonville. Darius also has played in 87 career games, starting all of them. He has nine interceptions and 470 tackles in his career.

[badger526]

I don't think the Jags would miss Darius that much, but I do think he is a reliable player to build the team on. He seems like a team oriented type of guy with alot of heart. The only thing I think he needs to work on is his speed and hands. He can hit, but can he catch and run with the ball to the house? That is the question.