In search of a starting center for his Jacksonville Jaguars offense, first-year head coach Liam Coen pulled a key depth piece from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coen spent last season as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator and became well acquainted with center Robert Hainsey, whom the Jaguars signed to a three-year, $21 million deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Robert Hainsey Predictably Leaves Bucs for Starting Job With Jaguars
Hainsey’s departure is disappointing for Tampa Bay but not exactly surprising. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs appeared on “The Pivot Podcast” and discussed Hainsey’s expected exit.
After two seasons as Tampa Bay’s starting center, Hainsey lost his spot when the Bucs selected Graham Barton out of Duke in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Wirfs, it was tough on Hainsey to be replaced, but as a veteran, he embraced the role of mentor, helping prepare his rookie replacement for the season.
“He is gonna go play somewhere. There are not 31 centers in the league better than him,” Wirfs said. “We talked about it all year. He’s like, ‘I’m not gonna be here next year.'”
Wirfs’ comments suggest that Hainsey had been planning his departure from Tampa Bay for a while and that his teammates were aware.
Although Wirfs understood Hainsey’s desire to leave for a starting job, he got emotional discussing the realities of free agency and losing close teammates.
“Robert Hainsey, he is my best friend. He came in a year after me, and we just did everything together,” Wirfs said. “The O-line room this year was the best I’ve ever been a part of. We’re so close, and we have three free agents. We have Rob Hainsey, Ben Bredeson, and Justin Skule, and those guys are my best friends. So it sucks, but that’s the NFL.”
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Hainsey Brings Experience, Versatility, and Scheme Familiarity to Jaguars
While Hainsey didn’t start for Tampa Bay’s offense under Coen in 2024, he was a highly valued depth piece. His familiarity with Coen’s scheme will be an asset as Jacksonville implements its new system. Hainsey also brings experience as a starting center and can play guard if needed.
Known for his toughness and team-first mentality, Hainsey was a respected presence in the Buccaneers’ locker room. His willingness to mentor Barton highlights the kind of leader the Jaguars are getting.
Coen, during his time as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, clearly saw potential in Hainsey. The Jaguars’ head coach wasted no time in his pursuit — agreeing to terms on a three-year contract on the first day of free agency to make Hainsey Jacksonville’s starting center for 2025 and beyond.