The 2022 NFL free agency period is underway. The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with All-Pro right guard Brandon Scherff on Monday. The former fourth overall pick played offensive tackle before transitioning to the interior for multiple iterations of Washington teams. He’s one of the game’s best players, but while this signing may look fantastic at first glance, it comes with a serious caveat.
Jacksonville Jaguars agree to terms with Brandon Scherff
Scherff is a five-time Pro Bowl right guard, and he’s one of the best all-around blockers in the NFL. No matter what else the Jacksonville Jaguars did in free agency, they absolutely needed to surround Trevor Lawrence with more talent offensively. That doesn’t simply come from adding weapons on the outside, though. The Jaguars’ offensive line struggled in 2021, particularly on the interior.
Although Andrew Norwell is still playing at a high level, he’s a free agent in this class and the other two interior spots underwhelmed. Ben Bartch still hasn’t looked like a long-term option at right guard, so the Jaguars decided to get creative.
Scherff’s fit in Jacksonville
Usually, schematic fits are important for a player to succeed. Scherff is one of the few that fits into the vaunted “scheme independent” mold. He’s large, athletic, and strong as an ox. He can play in a downhill gap scheme or get wide and not allow defenders to cross his face as a zone blocker. Additionally, there aren’t many better pass protectors in the league at the position.
The big “but …”
That caveat from earlier needs to be addressed. Scherff’s injury history reads a bit like a CVS receipt. He’s missed more than three games in each season since 2017. However, having Bartch in the fold — assuming Jacksonville doesn’t strike out on a starting left guard — is a good option to have as depth.
Even if Scherff only gives Jacksonville 10-12 games in 2022, those performances will help inspire confidence both in the rushing attack and in Lawrence’s ability to drop back in the pocket confidently.