Jaguars fan takes to the skies calling for 49ers former to be fired

It sure sounds like 49ers fans can relate to where the Jaguars fanbase is at.

There may not be many historic ties between the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars fanbases, but right now, it seems like no other fanbase is as well-suited to understand Jacksonville’s frustrations. Former 49ers general manager Trent Baalke has held the same title with the Jags since late in the 2020 season. While the team reached the postseason in 2022, it has floundered in recent years and failed to progress.

While the Jaguars have now overhauled their coaching staff several times and seem suited to fire Doug Pederson before the offseason begins, Baalke has been at the center of it all and survived. Granted, like Pederson, his days with the franchise could also be numbered.

One frustrated fan wanted to make clear where they stand in regards to Jacksonville’s general manager. At some point on Sunday, during the Jaguars’ 20-13 victory over the Titans, an airplane was seen flying around EverBank Stadium with a banner that read “SHAD-FIRE BAALKE! FOR DUVAL!” Clearly calling for Jaguars owner Shad Khan to move on from Baalke.

While Baalke has added some impressive talents through the draft during his tenure in Jacksonville, capitalizing on several high draft picks to add quarterback Trevor Lawrence, edge rusher Travon Walker, running back Travis Etienne, and wide receiver Brian Thomas, he has yet to find much value in the mid to late rounds. Moreover, in a trend familiar to 49ers fans, Baalke has been hesitant to spend on the biggest names in free agency while giving surprisingly sizable deals to less-prominent players who have struggled to make a big impact in Jacksonville.

49ers fans remember their own frustrations with Baalke, particularly ownership’s patience with him. In fact, 49ers Twitter dug up an old image of a plane over Levi’s Stadium calling for Jed York to fire Baalke.

It seems that over the years, many things in the NFL have changed, but fanbase frustrations with front office execs, and perhaps particularly Trent Baalke, remain the same.