Marcus Stroud to retire a Jaguar

The Jacksonville Jaguars today signed veteran defensive tackle Marcus Stroud to a one-day contract so that he could retire as a Jaguar. Stroud will be placed on the reserve/retired list.

When asked about retirement with the team, stroud said "“This is where I started my career and where I was able to have my most productive years... The Jaguars are like family and I know this is where I belong.”

The Jaguars drafted Stroud with the 13th overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft. In his seven year career with the Jags, Sroud aquired 457 tackles, 22 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

He played in 100 games with the franchise and started in 84 of those games. Stroud was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2008 where he played three seasons before signing and ultimately being cut by New England in 2011.

He ended his career with 647 tackles (414 solo), 29.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. Stroud, and teammate John Henderson, anchored a Jaguars defense in 2006 that ranked second in the NFL, the highest rank the Jaguars have ever seen.

From 2003-06, the Jaguars ranked third with only 37 rushing touchdowns allowed and second with only 11 100-yard rushers allowed during that span.