Louis Rees-Zammit’s future with the Jaguars is unclear after coaching changes and no game time this season
Jacksonville: So, the NFL season wrapped up, and it wasn’t great for Louis Rees-Zammit and the Jaguars. They didn’t make the playoffs, finishing near the bottom of their division. To top it off, they just fired their head coach, Doug Pedersen.
Rees-Zammit was on the practice squad all season, but he didn’t get to play at all. It’s a tough spot to be in, especially when you see other teams like the Ravens and Broncos gearing up for the playoffs. He was part of the squad but never got a chance to step onto the field.
Now, with the new season not starting until September, there’s a lot of uncertainty about his future. There’s a draft coming up, and he might not even have a spot on the team anymore. TalkSPORT’s Brian Smith recently chatted with him and got the sense that he’s looking for more opportunities.
Smith pointed out that Rees-Zammit is no longer just the famous rugby player; he’s just another guy on the practice squad. It’s a tough reality check when you’re in London with the Jaguars but can’t even get a game. How long can he keep being used as a promotional tool for the team?
On the flip side, he spent the whole season learning the playbook, but with a new coach coming in, everything could change. The new coach might see his potential or decide he’s not what they need. It’s a tricky situation.
Smith, who’s been covering the NFL for years, mentioned that being on the practice squad can feel like being in limbo. You’re technically in the NFL, but not really playing. It’s all about getting on that active roster and having a shot at the game.
With the coaching change, it raises questions about Rees-Zammit’s commitment to the Jaguars and the NFL. Will he and his agent think about moving to another team? The practice squad is unpredictable, and players often bounce around.
If the Jaguars decide they don’t want him next season, he’ll have to start over and find a new team. Smith emphasized that practice squad contracts aren’t secure, and he could be cut at any time. The only real guarantees in the NFL are for star players with guaranteed contracts.
Rees-Zammit didn’t play a single minute this season, which is telling. The Jaguars used most of their wide receivers, but he wasn’t one of them. Smith noted that it’s a tough business, and making it in the NFL is harder than many think.
He hopes Rees-Zammit can turn things around, but it’s going to take time. The big question is whether he’s willing to sacrifice a solid rugby career for a shot at the NFL. He needs to be all in and improve during the off-season.
It’s not just about being on the roster; it’s about being better than the other wide receivers. Last year, he wasn’t. Changing positions from running back to wide receiver right before the season didn’t help either. It’s a learning year for him.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the draft will be a crucial time for Rees-Zammit. We’ll find out soon if he gets re-signed by the Jaguars or picked up by another team. The roster decisions usually come in August, so he’s got a lot to think about in the coming months.
