Jags have started talks with Blackmon and Branch

picture courtesy of @TDJaxTim 

Contract negotiations have commenced with the Jags first two draft selections Justin Blackmon and Andre Branch. Tania Ganguili of The Florida Times Union has reported that the Jags are working on deals for the players and have even made significant progress with Branch. Of the first 10 selections of the draft only two have made deals with their respective teams. Blackmon is the first of the top 5 selected players to enter into contract negotiations. Last year Blaine Gabbert who was selected 10th overall after the Jags moved up to select him received a four year 12 million dollar deal that was fully guaranteed. With Blackmon being a top five selection I expect he will get something a little better in the 18 million 12 guaranteed over 4 years with a fifth year option range. As Ganguli stated the negotiations will go fast.

Former Jaguars DT Nate Collins has reached a deal with the Chicago Bears. Collins was released early in free agency after a possession of marijuana arrest in Virginia.