Jaguars make another major announcement amid Louis Rees-Zammit uncertainty
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a big announcement as Louis Rees-Zammit's future at the NFL franchise remains uncertain.
Earlier this month, the Jaguars sacked head coach Doug Pedersen after a highly disappointing season which saw them lose 13 of their 17 matches and miss out on the play-offs as they finished second to bottom of the AFC South.
Now, the team's general manager Trent Baalke has followed Pedersen out of the exit door following discussions with owner Shad Khan. Issuing a statement on Wednesday evening, Khan - who also owns Premier League side Fulham and previously said the current Jaguars team was the "best assembled" in their history - said Baalke's departure was "in our mutual best interests".
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"Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately," the statement read.
"Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons. Ethan Waugh will serve as interim general manager and play an important role, with others, as we continue the process of interviewing candidates to serve as our new head coach.
"I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville and look forward to introducing a new head coach who will make that happen for our players and fans alike," Khan added.
While Baalke's exit may not have a direct impact on Rees-Zammit's future in Jacksonville, but the raft of wholesale changes could well persuade him to stay or go as he continues to consider his options.
The 23-year-old, who joined the Jaguars' practice squad in August after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, saw his initial contract in Jacksonville expire earlier this month as he became a free agent.
His deal ended having not been offered a futures contract - which tie practice squad members or free agents to a franchise and blocks them from negotiating with other teams - leading to widespread speculation that he would leave the Jaguars and potentially the NFL altogether.
Rees-Zammit has since been offered a new deal, with sources suggesting the Jaguars are keen to have him as part of their training camp ahead of next season. Despite not yet making the jump up to the active roster as he continues to learn the game and get his head around the extensive playbook, his coaches are said to have been impressed with the progress he has made.
But with a new contract now on the table, WalesOnline understands that the Welshman is still "figuring out" his next move with a decision set to be made in the coming days or weeks.
