The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Buffalo Bills nose tackle Marcell Dareus on Friday, beefing up one of the NFL's best defenses.
The Jaguars (4-3) sent a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft to the Bills (4-2) in exchange for the 330-pound run-stopper, who has a checkered past.
Jacksonville ranks sixth in total defense and second in passing defense, but 31st against the run. Dareus, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, should help bolster the interior of Jacksonville's line.
He also is reunited with former Bills and current Jaguars coach Doug Marrone. Dareus played two years, including his best season (2014), under Marrone in Buffalo.
The trade ends a tumultuous tenure for Dareus in Buffalo. He was the team's highest-paid player, having signed a six-year extension worth up to $96 million in 2015. The deal included $60 million guaranteed. But he has been suspended twice by the NFL and at least once by new coach Sean McDermott.
Ravens riled by hit
The Ravens are angry and calling for a review of the rule book after watching Joe Flacco being helped off the field, bleeding and disoriented following a late hit.
Flacco sustained a concussion Thursday night against Miami after he went into a slide designed to prevent the quarterback from being tackled. Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso slammed into Flacco, forcing his exit in a game the Ravens would win 40-0. Alonso received a penalty for unnecessary roughness on the play, but that was of little consolation to the Ravens.
"He was sliding, and the guy came in high. They're trying to take that play out, but it happens," safety Eric Weddle said. "Maybe they'll look at in the offseason, and in that situation, the guy should get ejected."
