The Packers were "considered a contender to be the Jaguars’ opponent in London" in '16, the final game of the current four-year deal, but Jaguars President Mark Lamping on Thursday assured that the teams instead will be playing "in Jacksonville next season" according to Hays Carlyon of the FLORIDA TIMES-UNION. Lamping said that the Jaguars "want their hometown fans to be able to enjoy that matchup." The Packers last played in Jacksonville in '08, and the league's current scheduling rotation shows the club "won’t be back in Jacksonville" until '24 following next season’s contest. Lamping: "We get the Packers here in Jacksonville so infrequently. They have such a national following. We have a lot of people here in Jacksonville that are Jaguars fans, but also fans of the traditional NFL teams. So we look forward to that game being played here in Jacksonville.” He added that whether to play an AFC South opponent in London is a decision "that will be made with input" by GM Dave Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley. Carlyon notes the '16 London opponent "will likely be announced" when the team is preparing for its Week 7 matchup against the Bills at Wembley Stadium. Lamping said: "For our London initiative to have the desired result, which is a more stable, financially strong franchise in Jacksonville, we have to make sure the game in London is successful." He added that there "is no extension beyond the four-year deal yet." However, "based on financial benefit, the Jaguars are expected to continue to play a game in London" beyond '16 (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 7/31).
