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The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off free agency under GM James Gladstone with a flurry of moves, agreeing to terms with nine free agents on the first day.
While that's quite a few additions, the Jaguars didn't break the salary cap bank, either. They still rank in the top half of the NFL in available cap space, according to Over the Cap, and they maintained long-term flexibility with shorter-term deals that give the Jaguars an out after a year or two if things aren't working out with a player.
After a four-win season, this roster needed some reshaping, and as Gladstone pointed out during his post-free agency press conference, the goal was to raise the floor of the roster, and he believes that was accomplished.
So ,what do these signings mean for the Jaguars? Let's go beyond the numbers with what you need to know.
The addition of Lewis brings a toughness to the secondary, as Gladstone put it, and plenty of experience after eight seasons in Dallas. With Lewis likely the starting slot cornerback, that addition also helps solidify the boundary cornerback spot, to a degree, with Jarrian Jones able to move outside, where the Jaguars believe he can play.
Murray has been a versatile defender in his career, filling both the deep safety role and down in the box. With the Jaguars, he will fill the free safety role. Gladstone said on Thursday that Murray puts the "safe" in safety. Giving up explosive pass plays were a major issue for the Jaguars last season.
You're not going to find a more versatile offensive lineman than Mekari, who has played all five positions during his NFL career. At guard last season, he was one of the best pass-blockers in the NFL by PFF's metrics and will be the Jaguars' starting right guard, although his versatility does give them added flexibility if needed.
Hainsey joins the Jaguars after playing in Liam Coen's offense with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 season. Hainsey did not start most of last season, with Graham Barton taking over at center, but Gladstone noted his play-style and the importance of Hainsey knowing Coen's offense, which will take some of the burden off Trevor Lawrence's shoulders.
We will lump these two together because there is a lot of overlap. With Mundt coming from Minnesota and Kevin O'Connell's offense and Long coming from the LA Rams and Sean McVay's offense, their transition to Coen's scheme will be relatively smooth. Both tight ends have primarily been blockers in their careers, which is a notable skill set, given the importance of the run game in Coen's offense. However, Gladstone also believes there is pass-catching upside as well.
Edoga bolsters the depth of the offensive line. He could add competition at right tackle or be the Jaguars' swing tackle off the bench if an injury occurs. He also has experience at guard, which again, gives the Jaguars added flexibility.
Gladstone noted how impressive Brown's performance in the playoffs were last season with Washington and believes there is more out there for him with the larger role that the Jaguars will provide him. Brown adds a vertical presence to the offense as well as YAC ability.
Finding a backup quarterback was a must for Jacksonville and they landed Mullens, who comes from Minnesota. Mullens has worked with Grant Udinski and comes from a similar offense under O'Connell. This experience that Mullens has can help Lawrence as he transitions to Coen's scheme.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars free agency: Breaking down every new free agent signing
Continue reading...
While that's quite a few additions, the Jaguars didn't break the salary cap bank, either. They still rank in the top half of the NFL in available cap space, according to Over the Cap, and they maintained long-term flexibility with shorter-term deals that give the Jaguars an out after a year or two if things aren't working out with a player.
After a four-win season, this roster needed some reshaping, and as Gladstone pointed out during his post-free agency press conference, the goal was to raise the floor of the roster, and he believes that was accomplished.
So ,what do these signings mean for the Jaguars? Let's go beyond the numbers with what you need to know.
CB Jourdan Lewis
The addition of Lewis brings a toughness to the secondary, as Gladstone put it, and plenty of experience after eight seasons in Dallas. With Lewis likely the starting slot cornerback, that addition also helps solidify the boundary cornerback spot, to a degree, with Jarrian Jones able to move outside, where the Jaguars believe he can play.
S Eric Murray
Murray has been a versatile defender in his career, filling both the deep safety role and down in the box. With the Jaguars, he will fill the free safety role. Gladstone said on Thursday that Murray puts the "safe" in safety. Giving up explosive pass plays were a major issue for the Jaguars last season.
G Patrick Mekari
You're not going to find a more versatile offensive lineman than Mekari, who has played all five positions during his NFL career. At guard last season, he was one of the best pass-blockers in the NFL by PFF's metrics and will be the Jaguars' starting right guard, although his versatility does give them added flexibility if needed.
C Robert Hainsey
Hainsey joins the Jaguars after playing in Liam Coen's offense with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 season. Hainsey did not start most of last season, with Graham Barton taking over at center, but Gladstone noted his play-style and the importance of Hainsey knowing Coen's offense, which will take some of the burden off Trevor Lawrence's shoulders.
TE Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long
We will lump these two together because there is a lot of overlap. With Mundt coming from Minnesota and Kevin O'Connell's offense and Long coming from the LA Rams and Sean McVay's offense, their transition to Coen's scheme will be relatively smooth. Both tight ends have primarily been blockers in their careers, which is a notable skill set, given the importance of the run game in Coen's offense. However, Gladstone also believes there is pass-catching upside as well.
OT Chuma Edoga
Edoga bolsters the depth of the offensive line. He could add competition at right tackle or be the Jaguars' swing tackle off the bench if an injury occurs. He also has experience at guard, which again, gives the Jaguars added flexibility.
WR Dyami Brown
Gladstone noted how impressive Brown's performance in the playoffs were last season with Washington and believes there is more out there for him with the larger role that the Jaguars will provide him. Brown adds a vertical presence to the offense as well as YAC ability.
QB Nick Mullens
Finding a backup quarterback was a must for Jacksonville and they landed Mullens, who comes from Minnesota. Mullens has worked with Grant Udinski and comes from a similar offense under O'Connell. This experience that Mullens has can help Lawrence as he transitions to Coen's scheme.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars free agency: Breaking down every new free agent signing
Continue reading...
