Entering the 2021 NFL free agency period, the Jacksonville Jaguars were expected to be busy in the free-agent market. With the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the expectations were that the Jaguars would put key pieces around their potential future franchise QB in Trevor Lawrence. Let’s take a look at the Jaguars’ moves so far in 2021 free agency.
The Jacksonville Jaguars invest heavily on defense in free agency
When the Jacksonville Jaguars made the AFC Championship a few years ago, they did so largely based on the strength of their defense. Despite there being a different regime in charge of the Jaguars now, their free agency approach appears to center around building their defense.
Shaquill Griffin is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ biggest money move so far in free agency
The Jaguars have invested heavily in the cornerback position in the past two offseasons. In the 2020 NFL Draft, for example, the Jaguars took C.J. Henderson. Henderson played in eight games in his rookie season, picking off one pass and forcing a fumble. However, on 51 targets, Henderson allowed a 64.7 percent completion rate and 4 touchdowns. Following a mixed season from their rookie, the Jaguars decided to invest in Griffin to be their No. 1 cornerback in 2021.
[sv slug=”drizly”]In 2020, Griffin had 3 interceptions and allowed a quarterback rating of 93.3 when targeted. The Jaguars are giving Griffin $40 million over three years, which could end up being a two-year, $31 million contract if they decide to move on early. Adding Griffin allows the Jaguars to start a combination of Griffin, Henderson, and Tre Herndon in 2021.
The Jaguars addressed multiple other defensive positions
Jacksonville also added Rayshawn Jenkins to play safety in 2021. The Jaguars needed to address the safety position after trading away Ronnie Harrison last season. Jenkins joins the Jaguars on a four-year deal worth $35 million. However, much like the Griffin deal, the Jaguars can move on after two years.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are also adding three defensive linemen from free agency. First, they signed Roy Robertson-Harris to the interior of their defensive line on a three-year deal worth $23.4 million. The Jaguars also traded for Malcom Brown with the Saints, then signed him to a two-year contract worth $11 million.
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On the outside, they retained 26-year-old pass rusher Dawuane Smoot on a two-year deal that is worth $10 million. Smoot has 11.5 sacks in the past two seasons and adds experience alongside Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson.
The Jaguars made two further intriguing additions on the interior of their defensive line. They brought back veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu, who spent seven years in Jacksonville earlier in his career. In addition, they are adding former Ravens interior defensive lineman Jihad Ward. Alongside Taven Bryan, the Jaguars now have an extremely deep group all across their defensive line.
What moves did the Jacksonville Jaguars make on offense in free agency?
The headline moves for the Jaguars in free agency nearly all came on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, they focused on adding players that met needs, with limited big names coming in.
Marvin Jones adds veteran experience to the Jaguars offense
With Trevor Lawrence expected to be under center in 2021, the Jaguars look to be giving him a veteran receiver. D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault are both talented but are relatively inexperienced. Therefore, the Jaguars are bringing in former Bengals and Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones to their offense. Jones signed a two-year deal worth $12.5 million, with an option for the Jaguars to move on after one season.
Jones brings eight years of experience in the NFL, totaling over 100 games played. In 2020, he was targeted a career-high 115 times. That led to a career-high 76 receptions as he reeled in 66.1 percent of his targets. Jones racked up 978 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Lions last season. He will bring valuable experience to this offense in 2021.
The Jacksonville Jaguars only made one major move on their offensive line so far this offseason
With a rookie QB expected to be under center, the Jaguars decided not to let their left tackle leave in free agency. The Jaguars franchise-tagged Cam Robinson, keeping him with the franchise in 2021.
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There is the possibility, however, that the Jaguars may still look to bring in an heir apparent to Robinson. In 2020, Robinson was credited with 41 blown blocks and 11 QB sacks, per Sports Info Solutions. Those numbers were among the highest for qualified offensive linemen last season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars added role players on offense
Outside of Jones and Robinson, the Jaguars’ moves on offense were low-key. They added tight end Chris Manhertz on a two-year, $6.65 million contract, and they’re bringing back James O’Shaughnessy as well.
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They then added former Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde on a two-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. Hyde spent eight games with the Jaguars in 2018, racking up 189 rushing yards on 58 carries. In 2020, Hyde saw 81 carries for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns in 10 games.
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