When defensive end Jason Babin was released by the Eagles, he said he hoped he would wind up playing for a winner.
Things didn’t really work out that way. Babin was claimed off of waivers by the 2-9 Jaguars, one of the few teams in the league with a worse record than the Eagles. Babin spoke to the media on Thursday about his new team, though, and said it was “refreshing” to practice with a team that had great tempo and urgency during the workouts after being with an Eagles team that Babin thinks could get worse before it gets better.
Babin is free to become a free agent after the 2013 season, but such thoughts aren’t on his mind. For now, Babin is happy to contemplate a long future with the Jaguars.
“That’s the plan,” Babin said, via Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. “I think they’re thinking the same thing and I am on board with that. I like it here. You have great weather, great coaches, great team and no state income tax.”
The Jaguars are tied for the least sacks in the NFL with 13 through their first 11 games, which explains why they claimed Babin and why he’s in line for a regular workload with the team when they face the Bills this weekend. If he can rediscover the form that led to 18 sacks in 2011, it would be a big boost to a Jacksonville defense desperate for help rushing the passer.