Since getting arrested for aggravated DUI, many assumed that contract negotiations between the Jaguars and Justin Blackmon would be complicated considering the protection that the team would pursue. However, apparently the two sides haven't done much negotiations at all, although that will change soon.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, the two sides will begin "talking more seriously soon." With all players reporting to training camp for the Jaguars on Thursday, the lack of "serious" negotiations thus far validate Florida Times-Union writer, Tania Ganguli's, prediction that Blackmon would not be signed in time for camp.
With fourth overall pick Matt Kalil and sixth overall pick Morris Claiborne both still unsigned, there is still some uncertainty for both sides regarding where the numbers should be and those negotiations could be further slowed by the "protections" that the Jaguars will look to give themselves in the contract.
There's no reason not to believe that Blackmon's contract could take longer to finalize than any other rookie in the NFL.
For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's NFL page as well as Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.