Opinion: Why Does Trent Baalke Still Have A Job?

NFL General Managers make a staggering amount of money. Some might argue it’s excessive. After all, they’re not curing diseases or saving lives. Yet, their job is undeniably challenging. Few have successfully built NFL dynasties. It takes the right timing, people, and—most importantly—the right mind to construct a winning roster.

Great GMs like Brandon Beane, Brett Veach, and Brad Holmes excel at assembling competitive teams year after year. Their work involves managing countless moving parts—players, coaches, and beyond. GMs must not only choose the right pieces but also ensure they’re cost-effective and sustainable for years ahead. It’s a tough job, and most people couldn’t do it. However, organizations deserve criticism when they continue to employ someone who has repeatedly failed.

Enter Trent Baalke of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars were supposed to compete for the AFC South crown this season. Instead, they limped to a dreadful 4-13 record, including a six-game losing streak. Their franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, regressed after signing a massive contract extension, and the team never came close to playoff contention.

Today is Black Monday—the day under performing NFL coaches and executives are fired. Coaches like Jerod Mayo, Dennis Allen, and Robert Saleh have already been let go. The Jaguars followed suit, parting ways with head coach Doug Pederson. Pederson deserved the axe after steering the team into the ground. Since Week 13 of last season, the Jaguars have gone 5-18.

But what about Baalke? Why does he keep his job?

(Justin Barney, News4JAX)

Baalke has been the Jaguars’ GM since Urban Meyer’s ill-fated tenure. While he didn’t hire Meyer, he was present for that disastrous 3-14 campaign. Since drafting Trevor Lawrence—heralded as a generational quarterback—the Jaguars have made the playoffs once, posting a dismal 24-44 record. They’ve burned through two head coaches in the process.

As GM, Baalke oversees all football operations and roster decisions. He has consistently failed. He has made baffling moves, such as overpaying for Christian Kirk and bringing in underwhelming players like Gabe Davis and Mitch Morse. He also reached for Travis Etienne in the first round—a risky move that has backfired, as Etienne regressed this season after suffering injury.

Baalke’s failures extend beyond Jacksonville. During his time as GM of the San Francisco 49ers, he played a key role in the team’s decline in the mid-2010s. While head coach Jim Harbaugh found success despite Baalke’s decisions, the team collapsed after Harbaugh’s departure. Baalke went 7-25 in two seasons without Harbaugh and was promptly fired.

To put it bluntly, Baalke never earned the Jaguars’ GM job. His track record is littered with poor decisions and losing seasons. Building a successful NFL team is incredibly difficult. No one faults Baalke for struggling, but how can the Jaguars ignore the clear pattern of failure?

It’s time for Jacksonville to face reality. Trent Baalke has proven, both in San Francisco and Jacksonville, that he cannot build a winning roster. The Jaguars need to take accountability and make a change at the top. If they want to give Trevor Lawrence and the franchise a fighting chance, Baalke must go.

featured image courtesy of Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images