JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Jose Reyes Jersey . -- Jason Babin took a
significant pay cut to stay in Jacksonville. But even at a reduced rate, the
Jaguars couldnt envision him making the roster this fall. So the team released
the veteran defensive end Thursday, parting ways with the 34-year-old
pass-rusher for the second time in three months. "We feel that he still has some
good games in him and some really good play in him," coach Gus Bradley said. "We
were just juggling to try to find a way to get it done within our system. We
felt like it was best to give him the opportunity to get out there and hook on
with another team. I dont know if there ever is a right time or how to do it. We
try to do the best we can, but when were dealing with a man like Jason Babin,
that is tough on both sides." After signing former Seattle standout
Chris Clemons in free agency and with the development of young pass-rushers
Andre Branch, Ryan Davis and rookie Chris Smith, there was little room for the
aging Babin on a rebuilding roster. "Thats just how the NFL works," said
defensive tackle SenDerrick Marks, who also played with Babin in Tennessee. "You
get used to a guy, you get comfortable, and you know that guy can still play. We
know that Babs can still play. We saw him here in minicamp. But it also shows
that weve got guys like Chris and Branch thats coming along and can also do that
job. Its a younger league and thats what a lot of teams look for." Babin led the
team with 7 1/2 sacks last season. He voided the final two years of his contract
in March, hitting the free-agent market before the Jaguars cut him. He had been
due to make $6 million in 2014. Jacksonville re-signed him for considerably
less. But after watching the younger defensive ends during organized team
activities and a three-day minicamp that ended Thursday -- and crunching the
roster numbers -- the Jaguars felt it was best to part ways with Babin now. "It
was shocking," said Davis, a second-year pro. "Jason was a key piece of this
team, definitely helped this team in leadership. We were such a young team and
he helped in the development of myself. I havent had a chance to talk with him
yet, but obviously Jasons career speaks for itself. High production guy, and Im
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