JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fans with optimism and excitement filled the Miller Electric Center as day one of training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off.
Head Coach Doug Pederson met with media ahead of practice. He said the team came to training camp conditioned and ready to work.
A main topic for Jaguars fans is how much money the organization invested in the team during the offseason. The Jaguars extended contracts to four key players with a total of $537.75 million and a combined amount of $294.4 million in guarantees.
The most recent contract was to cornerback Tyson Campbell with a four-year, $76.5 million contract.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the most notable extension, as he received a five-year, $275 million contract. Pro bowl pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen also received a new five year, $141.25 million contract. The team also rewarded linebacker Foye Oluokun with a three-year, $45 million extension.
Pederson said he hopes the investment from the organization to the players will inspire the younger players and future Jaguars. He believes in growing from "in-house".
"They're the big money guys and each one of them deserves what they got," the head coach said. "It's because of their play on the field and I think it sends a great message to the team that if you do things right on and off the field, you can be rewarded for it".
Another topic Jaguars fans are talking about is the new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. He just entered his first season with the Jaguars.
Pederson said Nielsen brings an "attack-style of defense," and "the players have bought into that."
There are 15 training camps left.
For information on open training camps open to the public, click here.