FanHouse

When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive tackle after Marcus Stroud to Buffalo, a lot of people (myself included) figured they would use a draft pick or a free agent signing on someone new to start next to John Henderson. Jack Del Rio, however, believes Stroud's replacement has been there all along.

Rob Meier signed a 4-year extension with the Jaguars today, which reports say is the result of him taking a much bigger role on the defensive line. Terms were not disclosed, but he's expected to make more than the $2.095 million he was due this year.

Meier had four sacks last season, plus one more against Pittsburgh in the playoffs, and that was after spending half the season as a backup, so clearly the Jaguars believe he can be effective at putting pressure on the quarterback from the inside of the line -- and Del Rio really wants the Jags' defense to pressure quarterbacks next season.

Meanwhile, defensive end Paul Spicer is reportedly not as happy with the contract the Jaguars offered him. That might change in a hurry if Derrick Harvey proves to be a monster in minicamp.