FanHouse KhalifBarnes

The Jaguars opted to let 2005 second-rounder Khalif Barnes test free agency, which meant that they had a gaping hole at left tackle heading into the offseason. (At least in the sense that with Barnes no longer on the team, there physically isn't anyone manning the position; that said, at times last season, Barnes played like he wasn't on the field.)

On Monday, they found their stopgap, if only temporarily: the club signed Tra Thomas, 35, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Eagles.

Despite the appearance that Jon Stinchcomb would be bolting for the Seahawks, who reportedly had serious interest, the seventh-year right tackle has agreed to remain in New Orleans for the next five years.

While Stinchcomb is a brainy player, good character guy, and a community leader, the Saints' decision to keep him -- pending the terms of the agreement, which are currently unknown -- is puzzling.

The 2008 season has been a forgettable one for the Jaguars. They made it to the AFC Divisional round a year ago, and with virtually everybody returning, expectations were high four months ago. A run on injuries, a no-show defense and plenty of bad luck has a lot to do with the 5-10 situation they currently find themselves.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will probably be fired after one season, and several players expect to be looking for work in the coming weeks. Linebacker Mike Peterson is a goner; head coach Jack Del Rio unofficially ended his Jacksonville career by benching him earlier this season.

Although nothing's been decided, during the Jags' last home game on Dec. 18, Peterson used the occasion to send the media his well wishes. Seriously.

... [T]he middle linebacker made it a point to thank the writers for the stories they've written about him in his six years with the Jaguars.

"I appreciate that," Peterson said. "I've got a scrapbook at home with all the great stories. No matter what they [Jaguars] do or what the future has for me, they can't take away those great memories."

And maybe one day, Terrell Owens and Ed Werder will bury their hatches, mend their fences and hug it out, too.

Jack Del Rio wants you to know that the Jacksonville Jaguars have rules, and as long as you're under his roof, young man, you're going to abide by them.

"We have rules, and we have discipline. Let me clarify that for you. This a misunderstanding out there. We have tons of rules. ... Be on time, be prepared and be a professional. If you do those things, you're not going to have these issues. A professional wouldn't think about making the choice to be out late as opposed to being in bed."

Unfortunately, a few Jaguars haven't followed those rules, which "disgusted" team owner Wayne Weaver, and now they must pay the price. Rookie linebacker Justin Durant and offensive lineman Richard Collier, who were both arrested last Friday night, have been suspended without pay for two games, retroactive to last Sunday's loss to New Orleans. Likewise, tackle Khalif Barnes -- he of the famous "KKK Devil Cop" arrest video -- was fined for showing up to work late on Saturday.

This tough love isn't quite as tough as what the NFL gave Marcus Stroud. He was suspended for four games for violating the substance abuse policy. But hey, at least Del Rio has this team discipline thing under control now, right? Right?