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Former NFL great talks about battle with coronavirus, ‘I don’t want to die here’

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Tony Boselli, a three-time All-Pro offensive lineman, recently discussed the severity of coronavirus after he spent five days in a Florida hospital following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

The former Jacksonville Jaguars player said he was taken into the Mayo Clinic’s intensive care unit in Jacksonville, where he was given IV’s and oxygen to restore his breathing. He reportedly lost 20 pounds over the past two weeks.

Boselli was admitted on March 25 before being discharged on Tuesday. He said he still feels weak but tested negative for the virus on Wednesday, ESPN reported. He is waiting for an additional test to confirm the results.

JAMELE HILL ATTACKS ROBERT KRAFT FOR BEING ‘FRIENDS’ WITH TRUMP AS THE PATRIOTS’ PLANE DELIVERS MASKS TO US

Former Jacksonville Jaguars player Tony Boselli walks to the field prior to the start of their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida.(Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

“It was kind of fuzzy, but I remember [the pulmonologist] saying, ‘If we don’t get your oxygen stabilized we’re going to have to go to the next level,” Boselli said. “I remember laying there thinking, ‘What do you mean, if this doesn’t work?’ He says, ‘We don’t know what direction this is going to go.'”

Boselli, 47, added the only people who could see him were health care workers dressed in full protective equipment.

“I don’t know if I ever was like I thought I was going to die, but I remember having the conversation with myself: I don’t want to die here,” Boselli said.

The five-time Pro Bowler said he had minor symptoms on March 16 — after playing golf the previous weekend — but didn’t think much of it because he didn’t have a fever.

On March 18, his symptoms worsened to a cold and the same day he got a call that he had been around someone who tested positive. Boselli consulted his doctor and got tested before the results concluded he had the virus two days later, ESPN reported.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PLANE RETURNS FROM CHINA WITH CORONAVIRUS N95 MASKS

Boselli said his condition significantly worsened over the next four days, while adding that he was 47-years-old and “completely healthy.”

“I thought I was getting better, then I woke up one day and I was going downhill fast,” Boselli said, according to Jaguars.com. “That’s when I was like, ‘Holy cow … this is real.’ When I went to the hospital, I thought I was going to get some fluids and some meds. They took an X-Ray and said, ‘You’re not leaving. You’re going to ICU.’ I’m like, ‘What?’ You realize that this stuff gets out of control pretty quick.”

He credits the medical staff at the hospital for helping to aid his recovery — while adding the experience taught him, “it’s time right now to listen to the healthcare professional and the experts, and what they’re telling us.”

“The thing is, it’s real,” Boselli added, according to the team website. “This is not a political debate. This isn’t if you’re on one side of the aisle or the other.”

As a healthy individual who has experienced many grueling NFL seasons, he said the virus “knocked me on my butt,” while adding it gave him a perspective on what others more vulnerable to the virus could be dealing with.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

“Also, think of other people,” he told Jaguars.com. “There are people who have underlying medical issues like asthma and diabetes and compromised immune systems. We have elderly people, obviously. I can’t imagine not being healthy and going through what I just went through.”

Former NFL great talks about battle with coronavirus, ‘I don’t want to die here’

By

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

Tony Boselli, a three-time All-Pro offensive lineman, recently discussed the severity of coronavirus after he spent five days in a Florida hospital following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

The former Jacksonville Jaguars player said he was taken into the Mayo Clinic’s intensive care unit in Jacksonville, where he was given IV’s and oxygen to restore his breathing. He reportedly lost 20 pounds over the past two weeks.

Boselli was admitted on March 25 before being discharged on Tuesday. He said he still feels weak but tested negative for the virus on Wednesday, ESPN reported. He is waiting for an additional test to confirm the results.

JAMELE HILL ATTACKS ROBERT KRAFT FOR BEING ‘FRIENDS’ WITH TRUMP AS THE PATRIOTS’ PLANE DELIVERS MASKS TO US

Former Jacksonville Jaguars player Tony Boselli walks to the field prior to the start of their game against the Los Angeles Chargers at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida.(Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

“It was kind of fuzzy, but I remember [the pulmonologist] saying, ‘If we don’t get your oxygen stabilized we’re going to have to go to the next level,” Boselli said. “I remember laying there thinking, ‘What do you mean, if this doesn’t work?’ He says, ‘We don’t know what direction this is going to go.'”

Boselli, 47, added the only people who could see him were health care workers dressed in full protective equipment.

“I don’t know if I ever was like I thought I was going to die, but I remember having the conversation with myself: I don’t want to die here,” Boselli said.

The five-time Pro Bowler said he had minor symptoms on March 16 — after playing golf the previous weekend — but didn’t think much of it because he didn’t have a fever.

On March 18, his symptoms worsened to a cold and the same day he got a call that he had been around someone who tested positive. Boselli consulted his doctor and got tested before the results concluded he had the virus two days later, ESPN reported.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PLANE RETURNS FROM CHINA WITH CORONAVIRUS N95 MASKS

Boselli said his condition significantly worsened over the next four days, while adding that he was 47-years-old and “completely healthy.”

“I thought I was getting better, then I woke up one day and I was going downhill fast,” Boselli said, according to Jaguars.com. “That’s when I was like, ‘Holy cow … this is real.’ When I went to the hospital, I thought I was going to get some fluids and some meds. They took an X-Ray and said, ‘You’re not leaving. You’re going to ICU.’ I’m like, ‘What?’ You realize that this stuff gets out of control pretty quick.”

He credits the medical staff at the hospital for helping to aid his recovery — while adding the experience taught him, “it’s time right now to listen to the healthcare professional and the experts, and what they’re telling us.”

“The thing is, it’s real,” Boselli added, according to the team website. “This is not a political debate. This isn’t if you’re on one side of the aisle or the other.”

As a healthy individual who has experienced many grueling NFL seasons, he said the virus “knocked me on my butt,” while adding it gave him a perspective on what others more vulnerable to the virus could be dealing with.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

“Also, think of other people,” he told Jaguars.com. “There are people who have underlying medical issues like asthma and diabetes and compromised immune systems. We have elderly people, obviously. I can’t imagine not being healthy and going through what I just went through.”

Cam Newton is a free agent: Where will the former NFL MVP play next?

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The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton officially parted ways on Tuesday after nine seasons.

Newton became the face of the Panthers when he was drafted No. 1 overall back in 2011, and he led Carolina to three straight NFC South titles from 2013-15, and a Super Bowl appearance during the 2015 season.

According to the NFL Network, prior to Newton’s release the Panthers were shopping the three-time Pro Bowler to the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers, but neither team was willing to make a deal.

Now that Newton is available and in total control of where he plays next, here are the five best destinations for the former league MVP.

5. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins hired Ron Rivera as their head coach in the offseason. This means if Newton decides to sign with the Redskins, it would be a reunion of the coach and quarterback duo from their days in Carolina.

Quarterback Dwayne Haskins was taken by the Redskins in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft, and they recently just traded with the Panthers for quarterback Kyle Allen, who was under center for Carolina the majority of last season. Alex Smith is also working his way back from injury with hopes to play again but a timetable for him is uncertain.

JOE BUCK CALLS HOME VIDEO PLAY-BY-PLAYS FOR CHARITY AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK, SAYS HE’S ‘GETTING A GREAT RESPONSE’

With a new coaching staff in order, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder could be open to the opportunity of Newton joining the team. His No. 1 jersey is bound to sell, and he could give a heartbeat to a team so desperate of staying relevant.

Familiarity might be the only factor that would lead the Redskins to Newton. Rivera told a Charlotte radio station that Washington was never really interested in Newton. Things could change if the organization doesn’t like what it sees from Haskins or Allen immediately.

4. Miami Dolphins

If Newton were to choose the Miami Dolphins as a potential destination, he would be joining a team that has improved tremendously this offseason. The Dolphins made quite a few key signings, which includes cornerback Byron Jones, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson, running back Jordan Howard and center Ted Karras.

Head coach Brian Flores got the most out of his team last year, despite the lack of talent provided to him. But now, with all of these key free-agent acquisitions, to go along with Miami’s three first-round draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dolphins should improve even more.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been linked to the Dolphins in the draft, which means Newton would be a fantastic option to serve as a bridge for the next year or two while Tagovailoa continues rehabbing from hip surgery.

Newton would be a nice fit for the Dolphins if they believe they can win now.

But in the way of him joining Miami are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen. For the Dolphins to bring in Newton, a decision would have to be made on one or both of those quarterbacks.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded away quarterback Nick Foles to the Chicago Bears just a few days ago, which means they are now in the market for a quarterback.

The only quarterback currently on their roster is Gardner Minshew II, who played well as a starter during his rookie campaign, when he was asked to take over under center after Foles was injured Week 1.

CLEMSON’S TREVOR LAWRENCE, GIRLFRIEND ALLOWED TO REVIVE CORONAVIRUS VICTIMS FUNDRAISER AFTER CONFUSION

A dynamic duo of Newton and running back Leonard Fournette is ideal for a Jaguars team that is still looking to find an identity. If the Jaguars believe Newton is back to full health, they should sign him to a long-term contract, and begin putting pieces around him because they would instantly become a contender in the AFC South.

2. New England Patriots

The only way this works is if Newton takes a pay cut. The New England Patriots are historically known for not paying their players at or above market value, but they are known for taking a flyer on someone like Newton who is coming off of an injury-riddled season looking for redemption.

One example of the Patriots doing this is when they acquired wide receiver Randy Moss back in 2007 for a fourth-round pick. Moss ended up setting the NFL record for receiving touchdowns in a single season and was instrumental in New England’s run to a 16-0 regular season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

If, and only if, Newton would be willing to take a Ryan Tannehill-esque deal, the Patriots will be a contender for his services. New England still has a top defense, and Newton would instantly bring a whole new dynamic to an offense that struggled to have success with Tom Brady as their quarterback last season.

The Patriots currently signed quarterback Brian Hoyer to a 1-year deal. He will join second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Cody Kessler as the only players on the team at the position.

1. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have already been linked to Newton.

The Chargers couldn’t come to a trade agreement on a deal with the Panthers for Newton, but now that he’s a free agent, this may even make more sense.

Head coach Anthony Lynn has been intrigued with the idea of adding a mobile quarterback after the Chargers parted ways with Philip Rivers this offseason. The Chargers will be moving to a new stadium, so Newton in the powder blue jerseys would immediately create buzz for a team that has trouble selling tickets. He might be a better option than Tyrod Taylor or a rookie.

That said, Newton will certainly have the weapons to work with. Running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Hunter Henry and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams would be more than enough options for Newton, who would instantly make the Chargers a contender in the AFC.

The Chargers are currently set to pick sixth overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. They could potentially draft a quarterback like Justin Herbert out of Oregon, or Tagovailoa if available, and either signal-caller could sit behind Newton for a year and learn from one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of this generation.

Cam Newton is a free agent: Where will the former NFL MVP play next?

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The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton officially parted ways on Tuesday after nine seasons.

Newton became the face of the Panthers when he was drafted No. 1 overall back in 2011, and he led Carolina to three straight NFC South titles from 2013-15, and a Super Bowl appearance during the 2015 season.

According to the NFL Network, prior to Newton’s release the Panthers were shopping the three-time Pro Bowler to the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers, but neither team was willing to make a deal.

Now that Newton is available and in total control of where he plays next, here are the five best destinations for the former league MVP.

5. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins hired Ron Rivera as their head coach in the offseason. This means if Newton decides to sign with the Redskins, it would be a reunion of the coach and quarterback duo from their days in Carolina.

Quarterback Dwayne Haskins was taken by the Redskins in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft, and they recently just traded with the Panthers for quarterback Kyle Allen, who was under center for Carolina the majority of last season. Alex Smith is also working his way back from injury with hopes to play again but a timetable for him is uncertain.

JOE BUCK CALLS HOME VIDEO PLAY-BY-PLAYS FOR CHARITY AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK, SAYS HE’S ‘GETTING A GREAT RESPONSE’

With a new coaching staff in order, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder could be open to the opportunity of Newton joining the team. His No. 1 jersey is bound to sell, and he could give a heartbeat to a team so desperate of staying relevant.

Familiarity might be the only factor that would lead the Redskins to Newton. Rivera told a Charlotte radio station that Washington was never really interested in Newton. Things could change if the organization doesn’t like what it sees from Haskins or Allen immediately.

4. Miami Dolphins

If Newton were to choose the Miami Dolphins as a potential destination, he would be joining a team that has improved tremendously this offseason. The Dolphins made quite a few key signings, which includes cornerback Byron Jones, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson, running back Jordan Howard and center Ted Karras.

Head coach Brian Flores got the most out of his team last year, despite the lack of talent provided to him. But now, with all of these key free-agent acquisitions, to go along with Miami’s three first-round draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dolphins should improve even more.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been linked to the Dolphins in the draft, which means Newton would be a fantastic option to serve as a bridge for the next year or two while Tagovailoa continues rehabbing from hip surgery.

Newton would be a nice fit for the Dolphins if they believe they can win now.

But in the way of him joining Miami are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen. For the Dolphins to bring in Newton, a decision would have to be made on one or both of those quarterbacks.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded away quarterback Nick Foles to the Chicago Bears just a few days ago, which means they are now in the market for a quarterback.

The only quarterback currently on their roster is Gardner Minshew II, who played well as a starter during his rookie campaign, when he was asked to take over under center after Foles was injured Week 1.

CLEMSON’S TREVOR LAWRENCE, GIRLFRIEND ALLOWED TO REVIVE CORONAVIRUS VICTIMS FUNDRAISER AFTER CONFUSION

A dynamic duo of Newton and running back Leonard Fournette is ideal for a Jaguars team that is still looking to find an identity. If the Jaguars believe Newton is back to full health, they should sign him to a long-term contract, and begin putting pieces around him because they would instantly become a contender in the AFC South.

2. New England Patriots

The only way this works is if Newton takes a pay cut. The New England Patriots are historically known for not paying their players at or above market value, but they are known for taking a flyer on someone like Newton who is coming off of an injury-riddled season looking for redemption.

One example of the Patriots doing this is when they acquired wide receiver Randy Moss back in 2007 for a fourth-round pick. Moss ended up setting the NFL record for receiving touchdowns in a single season and was instrumental in New England’s run to a 16-0 regular season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

If, and only if, Newton would be willing to take a Ryan Tannehill-esque deal, the Patriots will be a contender for his services. New England still has a top defense, and Newton would instantly bring a whole new dynamic to an offense that struggled to have success with Tom Brady as their quarterback last season.

The Patriots currently signed quarterback Brian Hoyer to a 1-year deal. He will join second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Cody Kessler as the only players on the team at the position.

1. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have already been linked to Newton.

The Chargers couldn’t come to a trade agreement on a deal with the Panthers for Newton, but now that he’s a free agent, this may even make more sense.

Head coach Anthony Lynn has been intrigued with the idea of adding a mobile quarterback after the Chargers parted ways with Philip Rivers this offseason. The Chargers will be moving to a new stadium, so Newton in the powder blue jerseys would immediately create buzz for a team that has trouble selling tickets. He might be a better option than Tyrod Taylor or a rookie.

That said, Newton will certainly have the weapons to work with. Running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Hunter Henry and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams would be more than enough options for Newton, who would instantly make the Chargers a contender in the AFC.

The Chargers are currently set to pick sixth overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. They could potentially draft a quarterback like Justin Herbert out of Oregon, or Tagovailoa if available, and either signal-caller could sit behind Newton for a year and learn from one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of this generation.

Jaguars trade Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles to Bears for draft pick: reports

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The Chicago Bears acquired Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Nick Foles for a compensatory fourth-round pick, according to multiple reports.

Foles is expected to compete for the starting quarterback job next season. He still had three years and $21 million guaranteed remaining on the hefty contract he signed with the Jaguars prior to the start of 2019. ESPN reported that Foles has already restructured his deal with the Bears and has the ability to void the deal in either of the first two years depending on how well he plays.

TOM BRADY WANTED TO BRING ANTONIO BROWN WITH HIM TO NEW TEAM: REPORT

The one-time Super Bowl MVP was initially signed by the Jaguars in 2019 for a four-year $88 million contract after he was rated among the top quarterbacks in the free agency market. But Foles was unable to live up to those expectations after suffering a broken left clavicle during his first regular-season game.

He came back in November but after a four-game losing streak, Foles was replaced by rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Foles trade suggests that the Jaguars are going to go with Minshew, who threw 21 touchdowns for 3,271 yards this season, to start the 2020 season. They picked up a compensatory fourth-round pick, which gives the Jaguars 12 picks in April’s draft, according to ESPN.

Jags trading Campbell to Ravens for 5th-rounder

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The “Mayor of Sacksonville” is on the move. And the Baltimore Ravens made quite the deal to land veteran Calais Campbell, essentially giving up a backup kicker who spent time on five NFL rosters over the last eight months for a five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman who’s also the reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

The Ravens agreed Sunday to trade a fifth-round draft pick in the upcoming draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Campbell, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade can’t become official until the new league begins Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It’s a great value for the Ravens and a downright steal considering they’re parting ways with the 170th overall pick, which they got by trading place-kicker Kaare Vedvik to Minnesota last August. The Vikings cut Vedvik three weeks later.

Now, they’re working to get Campbell a new contract that should make one of the league’s best defenses even better.

“Like anything in life, they say great things only last for so long,” Campbell said in a lengthy and heartfelt goodbye posted on Twitter. “My time in Jacksonville has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with love, support and pure joy from the Duval community. …

“They say to always leave a place better than you found it and I hope that’s what I’ve done in Duval. Thank you for believing and allowing me to live out my dream. It was a true honor to be your Mayor of Sacksonville.”

The 33-year-old Campbell was due to make $15 million in the final year of his contract and would have counted $17.5 million against Jacksonville’s salary cap. The Jaguars will take on $2.5 million in dead money by trading Campbell.

Campbell has made three straight Pro Bowls since landing in Jacksonville. He was instrumental in helping rookie Josh Allen make a successful transition to the NFL last year. Allen was a Pro Bowl alternate and made the all-star team as a replacement.

Campbell was voted defensive MVP of the Pro Bowl in January. He also was recognized as the league’s man of the year for his charitable work.

“Your kindness and enthusiasm fueled me to be a better player and a better member of your community,” Campbell said. “It was one of the great honors of my life to wear teal and black and I’ll forever be grateful for how my time as a Jaguar changed my life.”

He has 696 tackles and 88 sacks in 12 seasons with Arizona and Jacksonville. He started every game over the last five years and has been a consummate pro on and off the field.

The Jaguars are unlikely to replace him with a fifth-round pick. It’s also another sign that Jacksonville is in full-on rebuilding mode, trying to get its salary cap in better shape.

General manager Dave Caldwell already agreed to trade cornerback A.J. Bouye to Denver for a fourth-round draft pick. He also declined to pick up an option in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ contract.

Those moves will clear about $33 million in cap space, and trading Campbell pushes the total to $48 million in savings. Jacksonville might be trying to create enough space to trade or cut quarterback Nick Foles, who lost his starting job to rookie Gardner Minshew last season and is due to count nearly $22 million against the salary cap in 2020.

The Jaguars also used their franchise tag on top pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue last week, but the disgruntled defender has made it clear he doesn’t plan to sign the tender offer and wants to play elsewhere. He also could end up on the trade block.

Throw in cornerback Jalen Ramsey (traded), defensive end Dante Fowler (traded), defensive tackle Malik Jackson (cut), safety Tashaun Gipson (cut), safety Barry Church (cut), linebacker Telvin Smith (retired) and linebacker Paul Posluszny (retired), and the Jaguars have essentially wiped out their 2017 starting defense that had been considered the future of the franchise.

Only two holdovers from that team, which finished a few plays short of the Super Bowl, remain under contract: linebacker Myles Jack and defensive lineman Abry Jones.

Jacksonville now has 11 draft picks in 2020: Nos. 9 and 20 in the first round, a second, a third, two fourths, two fifths, two sixths and a seventh. The Jaguars also have an extra first and fourth in 2021.

Jags trading Campbell to Ravens for 5th-rounder

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The “Mayor of Sacksonville” is on the move. And the Baltimore Ravens made quite the deal to land veteran Calais Campbell, essentially giving up a backup kicker who spent time on five NFL rosters over the last eight months for a five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman who’s also the reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

The Ravens agreed Sunday to trade a fifth-round draft pick in the upcoming draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Campbell, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade can’t become official until the new league begins Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It’s a great value for the Ravens and a downright steal considering they’re parting ways with the 170th overall pick, which they got by trading place-kicker Kaare Vedvik to Minnesota last August. The Vikings cut Vedvik three weeks later.

Now, they’re working to get Campbell a new contract that should make one of the league’s best defenses even better.

“Like anything in life, they say great things only last for so long,” Campbell said in a lengthy and heartfelt goodbye posted on Twitter. “My time in Jacksonville has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with love, support and pure joy from the Duval community. …

“They say to always leave a place better than you found it and I hope that’s what I’ve done in Duval. Thank you for believing and allowing me to live out my dream. It was a true honor to be your Mayor of Sacksonville.”

The 33-year-old Campbell was due to make $15 million in the final year of his contract and would have counted $17.5 million against Jacksonville’s salary cap. The Jaguars will take on $2.5 million in dead money by trading Campbell.

Campbell has made three straight Pro Bowls since landing in Jacksonville. He was instrumental in helping rookie Josh Allen make a successful transition to the NFL last year. Allen was a Pro Bowl alternate and made the all-star team as a replacement.

Campbell was voted defensive MVP of the Pro Bowl in January. He also was recognized as the league’s man of the year for his charitable work.

“Your kindness and enthusiasm fueled me to be a better player and a better member of your community,” Campbell said. “It was one of the great honors of my life to wear teal and black and I’ll forever be grateful for how my time as a Jaguar changed my life.”

He has 696 tackles and 88 sacks in 12 seasons with Arizona and Jacksonville. He started every game over the last five years and has been a consummate pro on and off the field.

The Jaguars are unlikely to replace him with a fifth-round pick. It’s also another sign that Jacksonville is in full-on rebuilding mode, trying to get its salary cap in better shape.

General manager Dave Caldwell already agreed to trade cornerback A.J. Bouye to Denver for a fourth-round draft pick. He also declined to pick up an option in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ contract.

Those moves will clear about $33 million in cap space, and trading Campbell pushes the total to $48 million in savings. Jacksonville might be trying to create enough space to trade or cut quarterback Nick Foles, who lost his starting job to rookie Gardner Minshew last season and is due to count nearly $22 million against the salary cap in 2020.

The Jaguars also used their franchise tag on top pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue last week, but the disgruntled defender has made it clear he doesn’t plan to sign the tender offer and wants to play elsewhere. He also could end up on the trade block.

Throw in cornerback Jalen Ramsey (traded), defensive end Dante Fowler (traded), defensive tackle Malik Jackson (cut), safety Tashaun Gipson (cut), safety Barry Church (cut), linebacker Telvin Smith (retired) and linebacker Paul Posluszny (retired), and the Jaguars have essentially wiped out their 2017 starting defense that had been considered the future of the franchise.

Only two holdovers from that team, which finished a few plays short of the Super Bowl, remain under contract: linebacker Myles Jack and defensive lineman Abry Jones.

Jacksonville now has 11 draft picks in 2020: Nos. 9 and 20 in the first round, a second, a third, two fourths, two fifths, two sixths and a seventh. The Jaguars also have an extra first and fourth in 2021.

Pass-rusher Ngakoue no longer wants to re-sign with Jaguars

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Standout defensive end Yannick Ngakoue no longer wants to sign a long-term deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ngakoue announced his desire to play elsewhere via social media Monday, a move that could force Jacksonville to place the franchise tag on the 24-year-old disgruntled defender and trade him.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville,” Ngakoue posted on Twitter and Instagram. “Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. I’m thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere.”

Ngakoue has 37 1/2 sacks and 14 forced fumbles in four seasons. The speedy strip-sack specialist made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and was an alternate the last two seasons.

A third-round draft pick from Maryland in 2016, Ngakoue clearly outplayed his $3.84 million rookie contract. He made $2.025 million in 2019 — far less than other top playmakers at his position.

He had been seeking around $22 million a year to remain in Jacksonville, but the Jaguars don’t seem to consider him a complete or elite defensive end worthy of that much annually. Jacksonville also selected Ngakoue’s potential replacement, Josh Allen from Kentucky, with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Allen had 44 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles as a rookie and made the Pro Bowl as an alternate.

Jacksonville is expected to place the franchise tag on Ngakoue, a move that would guarantee him more than $19 million in 2020. But he also could refuse to sign the tender, essentially forcing a trade.

“There’s still a process that needs to be played, but I think you guys know how we feel about him and we want him here,” Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said at the NFL combine last week. “We’re going to try to get him here and keep him here one way or another. So I think I’ll leave it at that.”

If the Jaguars end up trading Ngakoue, they would be left with few pieces from their dynamic defense that carried the team to the AFC championship game in January 2018.

Defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerback A.J. Bouye and linebacker Myles Jack remain. But there are no guarantees Campbell and Bouye will stick around since they would count nearly $33 million combined against the salary cap next season.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler were traded in separate deals to the Los Angeles Rams. Safety Tashaun Gipson and defensive tackle Malik Jackson were released before the 2019 season in a cost-saving move.

Linebacker Telvin Smith abruptly quit the team last May to “get my world in order” and eventually filed retirement paperwork to avoid mounting fines.

And Jacksonville recently declined to pick up a team option in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ contract, saving $19.5 million against the cap in 2020. Dareus will still count $2.5 million against the cap in dead money.

“He would still be a guy that we would have interest in bringing back at some point in time,” Caldwell said last week.

JJ Watt leads displeasure with CBA proposal after NFL owners’ approval

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NFL stars J.J. Watt, Leonard Fournette and Richard Sherman are among those who came out against the collective bargaining agreement, which was approved by owners Thursday.

Part of the agreement moves the NFL to a 17-game schedule beginning in 2021 with players getting an increase in compensation. The playoffs also would increase from 12 teams to 14.

NFL OWNERS APPROVE TERMS OF NEW COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENT

“Following more than ten months of intensive and thorough negotiations, the NFL Players and clubs have jointly developed a comprehensive set of new and revised terms that will transform the future of the game, provide for players – past, present, and future – both on and off the field, and ensure that the NFL’s second century is even better and more exciting for the fans,” the NFL said in a statement.

“The membership voted today to accept the negotiated terms on the principal elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Players Association would also need to vote to approve the same terms for there to be a new agreement.”

NFL PLAYERS EXPRESS SKEPTICISM AS LEAGUE APPEARS CLOSE TO ADDING 17TH GAME TO SCHEDULE

While NFL players expressed skepticism before the owners approved the CBA, Watt, Fournette and Sherman came out Thursday against the agreement.

“Hard no on that proposed CBA,” Watt tweeted.

Sherman responded to Watt, saying “Leadership! I am with you!  Please communicate with your team rep.”

Fournette tweeted he was against going 17 games during the regular season.

Others sought a 50/50 split in revenue if the league was going to 17 games. The NFL only agreed to increase the sharing to about 48 percent for players.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The NFLPA is reportedly set to meet Friday to discuss the proposal.

JJ Watt leads displeasure with CBA proposal after NFL owners’ approval

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NFL stars J.J. Watt, Leonard Fournette and Richard Sherman are among those who came out against the collective bargaining agreement, which was approved by owners Thursday.

Part of the agreement moves the NFL to a 17-game schedule beginning in 2021 with players getting an increase in compensation. The playoffs also would increase from 12 teams to 14.

NFL OWNERS APPROVE TERMS OF NEW COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENT

“Following more than ten months of intensive and thorough negotiations, the NFL Players and clubs have jointly developed a comprehensive set of new and revised terms that will transform the future of the game, provide for players – past, present, and future – both on and off the field, and ensure that the NFL’s second century is even better and more exciting for the fans,” the NFL said in a statement.

“The membership voted today to accept the negotiated terms on the principal elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Players Association would also need to vote to approve the same terms for there to be a new agreement.”

NFL PLAYERS EXPRESS SKEPTICISM AS LEAGUE APPEARS CLOSE TO ADDING 17TH GAME TO SCHEDULE

While NFL players expressed skepticism before the owners approved the CBA, Watt, Fournette and Sherman came out Thursday against the agreement.

“Hard no on that proposed CBA,” Watt tweeted.

Sherman responded to Watt, saying “Leadership! I am with you!  Please communicate with your team rep.”

Fournette tweeted he was against going 17 games during the regular season.

Others sought a 50/50 split in revenue if the league was going to 17 games. The NFL only agreed to increase the sharing to about 48 percent for players.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The NFLPA is reportedly set to meet Friday to discuss the proposal.