The Jacksonville Jaguars offered general manager Gene Smith a contract extension before the season, but he turned it down, he told The Florida Times-Union on Wednesday.
Smith, whose contract expires after this season, told the newspaper that he didn't believe accepting the extension would be appropriate, given other employees' standing with the team.
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"A contract was extended to me and I declined it," Smith said. "I did not think I deserved an extension based on the conditions. Our scouts and other employees weren't being extended. I didn't think I deserved it."
Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver mandated salary freezes on employees during the offseason, and team scouts and assistant coaches are in the last years of their contracts. Weaver declined comment on the long-term future of Smith and Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, saying only, "What Gene (Smith) said is true, and I respect his position."
Smith became the Jaguars' GM in January 2009. Since that time, the team has accumulated a 17-23 record, including a 2-6 mark so far this season.
Having worked with the organization since its start, Smith said he hoped to remain in Jacksonville after the season.
"I'd like to be here long-term, I'd like to finish what we started," Smith said. "I feel like I work for one of the best organizations. I've invested a good part of my life here, but I also realize transition is a way of life in the NFL."
Notes: The Jaguars placed WR Mike Sims-Walker on season-ending injured reserve and were awarded WR Brian Robiskie off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Sims-Walker, signed two weeks ago after being cut by the St. Louis Rams, injured a knee during Sunday's game at Houston. Robiskie, a second-round draft pick in 2009, has 39 career receptions for 441 yards and three touchdowns. He caught three passes for 25 yards in six games this season. The Browns waived him Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
