RSS Jags Team Notes

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars News: ‘No Indication’ of Plans to Trade Brian Thomas Jr.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 6: Brian Thomas Jr. #7 and Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate after an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Everbank Stadium on October 6, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning!

It seems that the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stance on a potential Brian Thomas Jr. trade is, “Unless we hear an offer that’s too good to refuse, we’re happy to hold onto him.” This isn’t a unique situation — any NFL team could say the same about any good player — yet the Thomas trade rumors will not die down. Are you sick of seeing the idea floated in headlines, or are you buying into the smoke? Let us know how you feel in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News​

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Jaguars Reacts Survey: Should Jacksonville re-sign its top two free agents? (Big Cat Country)

According to Spotrac, Lloyd has a market value of $20.1 million per year. That’d put him right between Fred Warner ($21 mil) and Roquan Smith ($20 mil) for the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebackers in terms of annual earnings. Ouch!

Jaguars to Make NFL History with Back-to-Back Home Games in London (Big Cat Country)

For the third time in franchise history, the Jacksonville Jaguars will play back-to-back games in the United Kingdom. The National Football League announced Wednesday that the Jaguars and the Washington Commanders will participate in games at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Jacksonville also scheduled to play at Wembley Stadium.

3 Predictions for Jaguars’ 2026 London Opponents (Jaguars on SI)

Let me go on the record and say I think it would be a travesty for the Jaguars to lose a home to a divisional foe, but let’s be honest: it seems pretty likely. The Jaguars only have eight home games in 2026, so nearly half that list is already made up by AFC South opponents. Factor in the fact that the Jaguars have one other London game, and are also not going to play the Washington Commanders as a home team, and the Jaguars seem to be on track to play an AFC South foe in London.

7 Combine Questions That Will Shape the Jaguars’ NFL Draft Board (Jaguars on SI)

Getting updated medical information is another important part of the NFL Scouting Combine. and that is no different this year. There are a few impressive players coming off injuries, and one that could be a fascinating option is Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell. The Jaguars have a roster that can afford a few red shirts, and Bell is a fascinating athlete at the position. If his long-term picture looks OK, he could be an interesting dart throw.

2026 NFL offseason: Ranking the top 15 trade candidates (ESPN)

There has been no indication that trading Thomas is something the Jaguars are planning, but there are teams monitoring the situation in case the hypertalented LSU product has fallen far enough down the Jacksonville depth chart that the front office would consider a move.

2026 draft prospects get important advice from NFL rookies (ESPN)

“This whole draft process, for me it was a very long process,” said Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten , a fourth-rounder. “You go from training for combine, then you got pro days and then you got 30 visits and then you got rookie minicamp. Then you go straight into OTAs and stuff like that. It’s going to be a long year. So take care of your body, stay in shape. Especially taking 30 visits, you want to work out, you want to run and keep your conditioning up. Once you hit rookie minicamp, it’s rock and rolling from there.”

The Jaguars 2023’ Draft Class is turning out to be one of the franchise’s best (Action Sports Jax)

The Jaguars’ 2023 class was always going to rely heavily on Anton Harrison’s play at tackle, but it’s the arrival and stardom of two Day 3 selections that have taken this class over the top. If Ventrell Miller can prove to be a solid starter at linebacker, this class will boast five quality starters for the Jaguars.

NFL free agency rankings 2026: Best linebackers available (SB Nation)

Devin Lloyd has steadily improved since being drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and pulled out his best season yet in 2025. The 6’3, 235 former edge rusher can do it all from the linebacker position, but emerged as one of the best coverage LBs in the NFL with five interceptions and just a 57.1 passer rating allowed. Lloyd is a strong blitzer and tackler who delivers the whole package for an NFL defense.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick​

Drumroll, please!

BREAKING: Teamworks to Acquire Pro Football Focus (Wide Left)

Wide Left has learned from multiple sources that Teamworks, a multimodal software and analytics company, will acquire the sports charting company Pro Football Focus at a valuation between $130 and $140 million. The deal could be executed as early as this week, according to one source.

Today’s NFL Media​

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We're here to stay.#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/umagDFHpH2

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 25, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...4/nfl-combine-rumors-brian-thomas-trade-plans

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

2026 NFL Free Agency: Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd’s Contract Value and Best Fits

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Devin Lloyd #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates during an NFL 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Everbank Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering their first full offseason under their new leadership unit of head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone, and executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli.

The first major task in any NFL offseason is deciding whether to retain impending free agents. In this series, we’ll be breaking down a few key Jaguars free agents by projecting their contract values and landing spots.

First up: Devin Lloyd.

Player Background​

Name: Devin Lloyd

Position: Linebacker

Age: 27 (Sept. 30, 1998)

College: Utah

Draft: 2022 1st-rounder (27th overall)

Measurables: 6-3, 235 lbs

Accolades: Pro Bowl (2025), second-team All-Pro (2025)

Statistics:

Def Interceptions	Fumbles	Tackles
Season	Age	Team	Lg	Pos	G	GS	Int	Yds	IntTD	Lng	PD	FF	Fmb	FR	Yds	FRTD	Sk	Comb	Solo	Ast	TFL	QBHits	Sfty	AV	Awards
2022	24	JAX	NFL	RILB	17	15	3	42	0	19	8	0	0	2	28	0	0.0	115	59	56	0	2	0	8
2023	25	JAX	NFL	LB	15	15	0	0	0	0	7	0	0	2	13	0	0.0	127	75	52	2	1	0	7
2024	26	JAX	NFL	RLB	16	16	1	3	0	3	4	1	0	0	0	0	2.0	113	61	52	7	5	0	6
2025	27	JAX	NFL	LB	15	15	5	135	1	99	7	0	0	1	2	0	1.5	81	35	46	6	10	0	16	PB,AP-2
4 Yrs	63	61	9	180	1	99	26	1	0	5	43	0	3.5	436	230	206	15	18	0	37
17 Game Avg	17	16	2	49	0	99	7	0	0	1	12	0	0.9	118	62	56	4	5	0	9

Defense & Fumbles Table

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/1/2026.

Contract Projection​

According to Spotrac, Lloyd has a market value of $20.1 million per year. That annual salary would place him between Fred Warner ($21 mil/yr) and Roquan Smith ($20 mil/yr) as the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebackers. Based on age, contract status, and statistical production, Spotrac’s most comparable players to Lloyd are Warner, Jamien Sherwood ($15 mil/yr), Azeez Al-Shaair ($11.3/yr), and Tremaine Edmunds ($18 mil/yr).

Of the five names listed above, only Warner and Sherwood put pen to paper within the last calendar year. Veteran standouts Zach Baun ($17 mil/yr) and Nick Bolton ($15 mil/yr) were also inked in 2025.

Lloyd’s per-year contract figures may look closer to those of Baun and Bolton than Warner and Smith. PFF projects him to earn $16 million annually across three seasons.

A three-year investment makes sense because Lloyd’s contract-year stats dwarfed his previous production. Plus, despite not playing on a fifth-year option as a former 1st-round pick, he isn’t exactly young for someone seeking a second contract.

My best guess: Lloyd signs a three-year deal worth $54 million ($18 mil/yr) with a sizeable chunk of guaranteed money — say, $35 million — to offset the short-ish contract length. That’d be an appropriate amount of cash for a top 10 NFL linebacker in his prime without injury or character concerns. Though some will balk at the idea of paying near-top-of-market money for a non-premium position player, others will recognize Lloyd’s value in providing multiple answers against modern offenses. He can serve as a triple threat (blitz, run defense, pass coverage) from a variety of alignments.

Landing Spots​

Jacksonville Jaguars: The best on-paper landing spot has to be where Lloyd developed into a top free agent in the first place. He played his best pro season in 2025 under former NFL LBs coach and current Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Lloyd may be on the older side for a first-time free agent, but it’s fair to say he could grow further with Campanile. Jacksonville would have a massive hole at the position if Lloyd leaves, as the team is already considering succession plans for Foye Oluokun (turns 31 in August). Re-signing Lloyd could be the Jaguars’ top “win-now” move of the 2026 offseason.

Dallas Cowboys: The ’Boys recently waived linebacker Logan Wilson (whom they traded for last year (lmao)) to save some cash. Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn are also free agents. Linebacker is a need in Jerry World, and it’s easy to imagine the Joneses exaggerating Lloyd’s value. Thing is, whether intentional or not, they’d have a point… New defensive coordinator Christian Parker spent three of the past five seasons coaching defensive backs under the legendary Vic Fangio. The Cowboys are a popular landing spot in mock drafts for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles — who projects as an off-ball linebacker who can also rush the passer from an on-ball alignment — because Parker could deploy him the way Fangio uses Baun in Philadelphia. Maybe they should just sign Lloyd to do the same thing.

New York Giants: Like the Jaguars and the Cowboys, the Giants may not carry the requisite cap space to go big-game hunting for linebackers in free agency, but there have been rumblings that New York could reallocate resources after spending large to build a formidable defensive line. A restructure here and a trade there could free up enough room for the Giants to add Lloyd. They need bodies at the position, especially with veteran Bobby Okereke widely expected to be a cap casualty, and Lloyd would be a fun piece for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. He has ties to the Mike Macdonald tree and recently called plays for the Tennessee Titans. Front offices are often swayed by how free agents performed against their own teams in the past; maybe Wilson will push for Lloyd after watching him play in person over the past two seasons.

Final Word​

It was tough to find good landing spots for Lloyd. Even for teams with a need at linebacker, contenders could prioritize other positions, and rebuilders might prefer developmental projects or veteran voices over someone in the middle. Lloyd’s position and age put him in a bit of no man’s land.

The notion that this year’s draft class is particularly strong at linebacker does no favors for Lloyd’s market. The crop is strong at the top and has plenty of depth to allow for mid-to-late-round darts.

The writing has been on the wall for Lloyd to depart Jacksonville. His fifth-year option was declined, the current regime is not the same as the one that drafted him, and there have been zero rumors of any contract negotiations. Lloyd said in early February that he’d had “no talks” with the Jaguars about a new deal.

Here’s to hoping Lloyd gets the bag he deserves… somewhere in the NFC. In my opinion, his combination of athleticism and instincts is great, but not as special as his expected price tag would indicate. Let a different team make that overpay. I’d rather see if Campanile can work his magic with more cost-effective options.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...2823/devin-lloyd-free-agency-profile-nfl-2026

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars News: RB Travis Etienne not expected to be tagged

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball for a touchdown during an NFL 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Everbank Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning!

According to a report by John Shipley of Jaguars on SI, “there have been zero indicators of Etienne getting franchise or transition tagged” ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET tag deadline. As Shipley noted, this is not a definitive sign that the running back will not be returning to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team is simply letting Etienne test the open waters of free agency before beginning any contract negotiations, rather than cratering to the franchise tag cost of $14.3 million. That’s probably a much higher figure than whatever Etienne will end up signing for… but it does lower the chances of him being in Duval County going forward. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News​

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars Fans Want to Run it Back (Big Cat Country)

Getting the band back together after one hit song (i.e., one good season) isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If the Jags want to keep the good vibes rolling by re-signing Lloyd and/or Etienne, sure, go for it. They’re incredible players and seem to be respected voices in the locker room.

Jaguars Mid-Combine Mock Draft: Targeting Needs on Day 2 (Big Cat Country)

One name that offers starter potential in the third round could be FSU’s Darrell Jackson, a two-year starter for the Seminoles who thrived against the run but also flashed the ability to get into the backfield. His size and play strength translate well to the NFL, and whilst he’s not the most explosive tackle in this draft his motor and tenacity, coupled with his measurables, suggest he could be a ten-year pro.

Expectations Beginning to Be Set for Jaguars’ Travis Etienne’s FA Market (Jaguars on SI)

Sources with knowledge of the situation have told Jaguars On SI that there have been zero indicators of Etienne getting franchise or transition tagged. This does not mean the Jaguars would not be open to a return, but the more likely sce nario is that he will be able to see what the market has for him. And due to the Williams deal, that market will likely be north of $8 million a year.

Jaguars’ James Gladstone explains why top brass skipped NFL combine (Florida Times-Union)

“The Combine is a significant annual event on the NFL calendar, one that we value greatly. The information and data gathered in Indianapolis are integral to our process. We have significant and influential personnel in Indianapolis, inclusive of our scouts conducting interviews with a full allotment of prospects, and our medical staff is, of course, present and gathering player data,” Gladstone explained.

Everything we learned about all 32 teams at the 2026 NFL combine (The Athletic)

Coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone didn’t attend the combine, instead trusting their scouting staff to handle business. While wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been viewed as a potential trade candidate, teams have mostly just been checking in on his availability. Nothing appeared imminent, though that could certainly change. Thomas, a 2024 first-round pick under former Jags GM Trent Baalke, had a steep statistical drop-off with the new regime, which has led to the predictable inquiries.

2026 NFL combine buzz: Intel on free agency, trades, QBs (ESPN)

Don’t be surprised if Carolina makes some big moves on defense for the second consecutive year. The Panthers will be looking at edge-rush help and might be open to offering a lucrative contract. They need linebacker and slot corner help, too. Devin Lloyd would be an ideal fit in the middle of the defense.

Albert Breer’s Takeaways: Heeding the Lessons of the Lions’ 2023 Draft Class (Sports Illustrated)

I’d lean toward a Maxx Crosby trade happening, and maybe this week. But there’s going to have to be some needle-threading. I don’t think the Raiders want to go through the song-and-dance of shopping him, nor do I believe Crosby wants it advertised that he’s looking for suitors, given his bond with owner Mark Davis, and his view of himself as a Raider.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick​

Drumroll, please!

NFL combine participation rate keeps dropping, especially agility drills (Acme Packing Company)

There was an immediate dropoff when on-field combine drills returned in 2022, as participation dropped below 50 percent for the first time, but there was a solid bounceback in 2023. In the last three successive combines, though, the participation rate has dropped year-over-year, and the 2026 combine looks to be the worst, in terms of participation, ever.

Today’s NFL Media​

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Florida's Jake Slaughter on growing up a "pseudo-Jags fan" #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/U5JgYXPdi8

— Dillon Appleman (@dillappleman) February 28, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks.../travis-etienne-franchise-tag-nfl-free-agency

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars do not use franchise tag on Devin Lloyd or Travis Etienne

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Devin Lloyd #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on prior to an NFL 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Everbank Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars did not use the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The top candidates for Jacksonville this year were linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne. Now that they won’t be tagged, the pair of former first-round picks are set to hit unrestricted agency in March.

Franchise tag costs in 2026 are $26.865 million for linebackers and $14.293 million for running backs. According to Spotrac, Lloyd and Etienne have projected market values of $20.1 million and $6.8 million per year, respectively. Using the tag would have been an overpay in either scenario.

Lloyd, drafted 27th overall in 2022, posted 436 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and 9 interceptions over the past four seasons. He is the only NFL player with 400+ tackles, 10+ QB hits, and 8+ INTs in that span. Lloyd earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2025.

Etienne, drafted 25th overall in 2021, notched 3,798 rushing yards, 1,338 receiving yards, and 32 total touchdowns over the past four years (he missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury). Only 12 other NFL players have more yards from scrimmage in that span. Etienne remains the all-time leading rusher of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Here’s a brief look at Jacksonville’s history of using the franchise tag.

• 2000: DE Tony Brackens
• 2003: S Donovin Darius
• 2004: S Donovin Darius
• 2005: S Donovin Darius
• 2011: TE Marcedes Lewis
• 2012: K Josh Scobee
• 2020: DE Yannick Ngakoue
• 2021: OT Cam Robinson
• 2022: OT Cam Robinson
• 2023: TE Evan Engram
• 2024: DE Josh Hines-Allen

Wild that it was used each year Trent Baalke was in the building (2020-24).

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-free-agency/82937/devin-lloyd-travis-etienne-no-franchise-tag

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars News: Colts place transition tag on QB Daniel Jones (?!)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts holds hand over heart during National Anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good evening!

One of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ biggest rivals is one of four teams to use a franchise or transition tag in 2026. The Indianapolis Colts targeted Daniel Jones with their transition tag, which costs $37.833 million guaranteed for quarterbacks (about $6 million cheaper than the franchise tag). Jones now has the opportunity to test the market and sign an offer sheet that Indianapolis would then have the right to match. The Colts are attempting to “lock up” Jones for another season while continuing to work on a long-term deal for wide receiver Alec Pierce.

This all makes sense in theory… but Jones is also recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in December. A torn Achilles. The Colts seem to believe he’ll regain most of his previous form by the playoffs. I’m not scoffing at the bet, but the cost is a bit crazy to me.

If I were the general manager of a team with a turf-surface dome stadium and a star running back, I would’ve recruited Kyler Murray, who will sign for the league minimum due to how much cash the Arizona Cardinals owe him. Maybe the Falcons will bite on the bite-sized QB. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News​

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Jaguars do not use franchise tag on Devin Lloyd or Travis Etienne (Big Cat Country)

Franchise tag costs in 2026 are $26.865 million for linebackers and $14.293 million for running backs. According to Spotrac, Lloyd and Etienne have projected market values of $20.1 million and $6.8 million per year, respectively. Using the tag would have been an overpay in either scenario.

2026 NFL Free Agency: LB Devin Lloyd’s Contract Value and Best Fits (Big Cat Country)

A three-year investment makes sense because Lloyd’s contract-year stats dwarfed his previous production. Plus, despite not playing on a fifth-year option as a former 1st-round pick, he isn’t exactly young for someone seeking a second contract.

Five Realistic Free Agent Targets for the Jaguars (Jaguars on SI)

If the Jaguars are going to lose Devin Lloyd to free agency, Leo Chenal might be a suitable replacement at the right price. That price is still to be determined, but it certainly does not appear Chenal is going to have the type of market Lloyd could have. Considering Chenal’s scheme fit with the Jaguars and Anthony Campanile, though, it is hard to make the argument the Jaguars couldn’t replicate some of what they are losing in Lloyd for a significantly smaller chunk of the cost.

Here are the Jaguars biggest needs heading into NFL Free Agency (Action News Jax)

The Jaguars’ defensive tackles ranked 23rd in Pressure % and 24th in Pass-Rush Win %, much of that coming in the early parts of the season. Really, it was just Armstead too as the rest of the interior offered little production as pass-rushers. Following Armstead’s injury, the Jaguars DTs totaled just 12 pressures and zero sacks across the last five weeks.

NFL trade predictions: Fits for Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown, Trent McDuffie (USA Today)

They could flip one of their projected Day 2 or Day 3 picks to the Eagles in return for Davis. The Jaguars would need to shift money around to make it work but could move money around on current deals for Hines-Allen, Patrick Mekari and Walker Little to create some space for this move.

Highest-graded cornerbacks from the 2025 NFL season (PFF)

Not yet a household name, Jones is starting to build a strong profile and find recognition for his ability to lock down the slot. Although he played sparingly through the first half of the season, he was lights-out from Week 9 onward, earning the seventh-highest PFF overall grade among cornerbacks (80.2). Much of that stems from his coverage metrics out of the slot, where he earned an 87.5 PFF coverage grade, making him one of just three players to exceed 83.0.

Colts apply transition tag to QB Daniel Jones—while continuing to negotiate with both WR Alec Pierce and him (Stampede Blue)

The Colts locking up Jones could go a long way toward Pierce inking a new deal with Indianapolis sooner rather than later, as the Horseshoe’s continued uncertainty at quarterback, with other teams still having the ability to poach Jones, reportedly is still weighing meaningfully on Pierce’s ongoing Colts’ contract talks.

Trey Hendrickson won’t get franchise tag from Bengals, who never seriously considered using it (Cincy Jungle)

Now 31 years old (will turn 32 in December), Hendrickson is unfortunately at an age where many NFL teams are unwilling to commit a long-term contract to with significant guaranteed money. That’s what Hendrickson and his agent have been pushing to get, but the Bengals have shown no willingness to meet those demands.

Jets will place franchise tag on running back Breece Hall (Gang Green Nation)

The franchise tag sets Hall’s salary at $14.293 million for 2026. The Jets and he can continue to try and reach a long-term deal, which could bring his cap number down for this season.

Now we know. Cardinals to release QB Kyler Murray (Revenge of the Birds)

The release is something Murray’s camp has wanted, which will allow him to find his own new team and work out a deal to play somewhere else, either as the starter or as an experienced backup.

Report: Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman is retiring (Windy City Gridiron)

On Tuesday afternoon, Adam Schefter broke the news that Chicago Bears’ Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman informed the team that he was retiring before the 2026 season after only a single year in Chicago, despite having two years remaining on his contract.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick​

Drumroll, please!

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Trading for a ‘Golden Goose’ Like Maxx Crosby (Sports Illustrated)

Here is where one NFL coach cautioned me: Building what Seattle has is just as difficult as finding a golden goose edge rusher, especially being as cost effective as Seattle was in doing so (the Seahawks committed about $40.7 million in cap dollars to their top four defensive linemen during their Super Bowl run). In the case of the Seahawks, the team needed the right coaching staff and four players who accepted that they may not be the star of any given game plan; four “alpha” type people who buy into a single idea. You don’t have to be an expert on the Beatles to realize how difficult that is.

Today’s NFL Media​

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Teams I've talked to believe Minnesota wants a Day 2 pick for Greenard. https://t.co/E6EW4qi4QR

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...apolis-colts-transition-tag-daniel-jones-2026

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Reacts Survey: Which position should be targeted with pick No. 56?

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - September 13: AJ Haulcy #13 of the LSU Tigers celebrating against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Stephen Bayog/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Jaguars fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Jaguars fans — which position should Jacksonville target with its first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Obviously, this question will be much easier to answer after the team fills some needs in free agency, but we’re interested in your thoughts before rosters start changing drastically.

I will always root for the Jags attack the trenches when selecting inside the top 100 picks, as controlling the line of scrimmage is the clearest path toward winning games in the NFL. This year is no different. Defensive line depth is the team’s top 2026 need anyway, and upgrading the offensive line is never a bad idea with Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen in town.

Beyond OL/DL, I’d look at safety. A versatile playmaker at the position could be exactly what Anthony Campanile’s defense needs to take the next step. This year’s draft class is stacked at the top, as Ohio State’s Caleb Downs has a shot to be a top-10 pick, and three other safeties (Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and LSU’s A.J. Haulcy) are expected to be picked in the top 50 or so. If one of them falls, I’d be pretty pumped about hearing their name called with the 56th overall pick.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...986/post-nfl-combine-early-draft-targets-2026

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars News: Keep an eye on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III

Football: Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks Kenneth Walker III (9) in action, runs with the football vs New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Santa Clara, CA 2/8/2026 CREDIT: Jamie Schwaberow (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164841)

Good evening!

The Jacksonville Jaguars may have an interest in signing reigning Super Bowl MVP and former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III when free agency begins next week. Jonathan Jones of CBS — notably, the first NFL insider to hint towards a Jacksonville trade-up for Travis Hunter last year — mentioned the Jaguars and the Broncos as teams to watch regarding Walker’s market. I understand the argument for Walker being an upgrade over Travis Etienne, but would it really be a smart move given Jacksonville’s current salary cap situation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Now, for the full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News​

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Jaguars Reacts Survey: Which position should be targeted with pick No. 56? (Big Cat Country)

I will always root for the Jags attack the trenches when selecting inside the top 100 picks, as controlling the line of scrimmage is the clearest path toward winning games in the NFL. This year is no different. Defensive line depth is the team’s top 2026 need anyway, and upgrading the offensive line is never a bad idea with Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen in town.

Report: Jaguars Bolster Tight End Depth in Retaining Quintin Morris (Big Cat Country)

With Strange operating as the featured receiving option at tight end, Morris provides insurance, special teams value, and a proven in-system presence. The rest of the room may still face competition, and additions through the draft or free agency remain possible, but the floor of the group feels more secure.

3 Observations on Jaguars Re-Signing Quintin Morris (Jaguars on SI)

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said last season that Quintin Morris was, essentially, the quintessential Jaguar. He started the year on the practice squad after he didn’t make the 53-man roster out of camp, but then he quickly earned a role on special teams thanks to his performance in practice. And then when the Jaguars needed him to step up on offense after Brenton Strange got hurt, he did that, too.

NFL insider notebook: Maxx Crosby trade buzz grows (CBS Sports)

Specifically to Walker, it has been noted above he’s probably out of the Chiefs’ price range. Denver could be the place for him as Bo Nix continues on his rookie deal. One other place I could see him in is Jacksonville. The Jaguars are parting with Etienne and are happy with Bhayshul Tuten. But GM James Gladstone has shown in just a year that he will always be aggressive when it comes to roster building.

2026 NFL free agency: Biggest needs for each AFC team (NFL.com)

One year into the Liam Coen-James Gladstone era, the Jaguars’ roster is in as good a place as it has ever been. But certain positions still need addressing. With Greg Newsome II and Montaric Brown slated to hit free agency and two-way player Travis Hunter recovering from last year’s season-ending injury, cornerback cannot be ignored this spring.

Jaguars’ free agent needs; and four players they could target (ESPN)

One player to watch could be Kader Kohou, who has a connection to Campanile who was Miami’s linebackers coach (2020-23). Kohou won a starting job in 2022 as an undrafted free agent and started 38 games from 2022-24 with the Dolphins before missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL.

2026 NFL free agency: Top players, predictions, sleepers (ESPN)

Lloyd hits the linebacker market one year after it was reset by extensions for the Eagles’ Zack Baun, Jets’ Jamien Sherwood, Chiefs’ Nick Bolton and 49ers’ Fred Warner — all of whom stayed with their teams. But Lloyd looks destined to get out of Jacksonville, where a competition for his services might propel him to the third- or maybe even second-biggest linebacker contract. At only 27, he’s coming off a career season — tied for the second-most interceptions (five) and with 1.5 sacks. Lloyd has long been considered an ascending player and has desirable physical traits.

Bengals are reportedly interested in linebacker Devin Lloyd (Cincy Jungle)

This would be one of the first times in recent memory that the Bengals would go out and spend top dollar on one of the top free agents. It would be a welcome change after sitting on their hands last year after extending Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It led to a fairly predictable result of another terrible defensive year.

NFL Free Agent Matchmaker: Who Lands Kenneth Walker III, Kyler Murray? (FOX Sports)

Don’t be surprised to see the Jaguars make a push to re-sign Lloyd after his career season, but the Bucs make a lot of sense. Tampa must be thinking about its future at linebacker post-Lavonte David, who is 36 and entering unrestricted free agency.

Three potential free agent replacements for Jaguars’ Devin Lloyd (Action News Jax)

First up to the plate, Leo Chenal from the Kansas City Chiefs. Chenal has had a productive career thus far, totaling 218 career tackles, seven sacks, and one interception through four seasons. He’s been incredibly consistent and versatile for the Chiefs and is just 25 years old.

NFL Free Agency: Dominoes that could reshape the 2026 NFL Draft’s first round (PFF)

Lloyd’s 88.4 PFF overall grade in 2025 ranked third among qualified linebackers, which puts him in line for a monster contract. Several teams, including the Panthers, Bengals and Cowboys, have a desperate need for a playmaker like Lloyd. However, the linebacker group in this year’s draft is perhaps the best we’ve seen in several years.

Highest-graded safeties from the 2025 NFL season: Antonio Johnson finishes in first (PFF)

Johnson’s exemplary play in coverage was the driving force for his lift off, allowing just 202 yards while snagging five interceptions. His 87.6 PFF coverage grade led all safeties.

Ranking the 15 Best NFL Free-Agent Signings of the Last Decade (Bleacher Report)

Campbell signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hadn’t topped five victories in six straight years. He piled up a career-high 14.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Pro honors and ending as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.

The 50 Biggest NFL Free-Agent Busts of All Time, Ranked (Bleacher Report)

Foles turned one of the most improbable Super Bowl runs in NFL history into a four-year, $88 million contract with the Jaguars in 2019. He wasn’t able to recreate that magic in Duval County, though.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick​

Drumroll, please!

David Montgomery, Tytus Howard, and everything after (Man, Free)

It’s easy to play the “Montgomery is older, older backs can fall apart” game. But when you look at the rapidly escalating market for running backs in a world where two-high is now a dominant established meta, it’s hard to think of an (available) back better suited to deal with it. Montgomery does not have megastar explosive juice, but he finished 12th in the NFL in rush yards over expected per attempt. The Lions prepared him for his Texans experience by giving him such horrific interior blocking in 2025 that he had the 12th-worst expected yards per carry. He’s always been an underrated passing-down back.

Today’s NFL Media​

Auto-retweet.

LeQuint Allen pass pro highlights pic.twitter.com/NAVv2itBvQ

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 4, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and be sure to check our social media and The Feed for more Jaguars conversation!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...p-an-eye-on-super-bowl-mvp-kenneth-walker-iii

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars full season confidence meter

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Trevor Lawrence #16 and Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Everbank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I know, I know. It’s already March. The new league year is just six days away. We’re getting ready for the busiest six-week stretch of player transactions in the NFL offseason.

However, some interesting data just came across my desk. I figured I’d pass it along before we officially flip our football calendars from 2025 to 2026.

Here’s a look at how much confidence Jaguars fans had in the direction of the team throughout this past season.

The pivotal point of Jacksonville’s season came in Week 10 at Houston. The Jaguars’ historically bad collapse against the Davis Mills-led Texans somehow sparked a second-half-of-season surge for both ball clubs.

Now, here’s a look at how much confidence fans of each AFC South team had in the direction of their own teams.

I’d say, “Those poor Colts fans,” but then again, they did enjoy a dozen years of watching Peyton Manning beat down on the Jaguars. Karma comes for us all.

What stands out as the most pivotal points of the season?

Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...15/2025-nfl-season-confidence-meter-afc-south

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Mock Trade Proposal: Jaguars Package Picks, Brian Thomas Jr. for Maxx Crosby

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If the Jacksonville Jaguars were to submit a trade offer for Las Vegas Raiders five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby, what would it look like?

That’s the question I asked myself when Bill Williamson of Silver & Black Pride requested mock proposals from SB Nation’s group of site managers.

Today, we’ll discuss what a mock offer from Jacksonville might entail.

---

Based on recent reporting by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, and The Athletic’s Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur, among others, Las Vegas wants a Micah Parsons-like package (two 1sts and a good player) in return for Crosby. Given his age and mileage, however, teams are more likely to propose something in the ballpark of a 1st, a 3rd, and a good player. We’ll see how much the Raiders are willing to budge.

By the time I read Bill’s message, three site managers had already submitted mock offers.

• Chargers (Bolts From The Blue): 2026 2nd (No. 55), 2027 3rd, EDGE Kyle Kennard
• Patriots (Pats Pulpit): 2026 1st (No. 31), 2027 4th, DT Christian Barmore
• 49ers (Niners Nation): 2026 2nd (No. 58), 2026 conditional 4th, QB Mac Jones

Pretty poor proposals from Los Angeles and San Francisco if you ask me — Crosby demands at least one 1st. The offer from New England is intriguing, but ultimately unconvincing, as it includes the second-to-last pick in Round 1 and a player with some character concerns.

Jacksonville’s current allocation of resources makes this tricky. The team doesn’t have a 2026 1st due to last year’s Travis Hunter trade, and the roster already has two stud EDGE defenders in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker (the former re-signed in 2024 for $28 million per year; the latter is eligible for an extension that will likely top $35 million per year).

There are plenty of reasons for the Jaguars not to go down this road. Until seeing Bill’s message, I was holding myself back from plotting any Madden-brained offseason trade scenarios. But what the hell. Just for kicks, let’s daydream about what an offer for Crosby could look like.

Assuming he won’t be moved without at least one 1st-round pick coming back to Las Vegas, Jacksonville’s 2027 1st seems like a reasonable starting point. From there, considering they’re currently below the salary cap and already without their 2026 1st, the Jaguars may want to add players over picks to this hypothetical package.

Enter Brian Thomas Jr., whose name has been atop “trade candidates” lists since the start of the offseason despite there being no real traction to the rumor. The Jaguars will only trade their super-talented, super-cheap wideout if they hear an offer that’s too good to believe. I wrote last month that I’d really only want the front office to trade him if it were in exchange for a better player. Well, here we are.

Thomas would be an excellent buy-low target for any team, but perhaps none greater than the Raiders. They hired a first-time, offensive-minded head coach (Klint Kubiak), are expected to field a rookie quarterback (Fernando Mendoza), and roster elite talents at tight end (Brock Bowers) and running back (Ashton Jeanty). Thomas’ field-tilting speed may not have a better impact on any other 2026 offense.

Losing that same trait would be tough to swallow for Jacksonville, but the pass-catcher room would still have three good options (Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, Brenton Strange) and the team could readjust its plan for Travis Hunter’s usage.

At the end of the day, the Jaguars would need to add another considerable asset to their trade package for Crosby, and Thomas makes more sense than any other option. I think the team would sooner pay Travon Walker than send him with draft capital to Las Vegas for the right to pay Crosby.

We have a pretty strong offer with a 2027 1st and Brian Thomas Jr. written down. That said, it might still not be enough to sway the Raiders, and it would put the Jaguars in a brutal cap situation. So let’s present a potential win-win by throwing in offensive lineman Patrick Mekari.

Mekari signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract as a free agent last offseason. A pre-June 1 trade would save the Jaguars $8 million. While I’d expect the team to want to hold onto his positional versatility, the 28-year-old guard had an up-and-down season in his first year in Duval County. He’s no foundational piece for Jacksonville. Mekari may be more valuable as a solidifying presence for Mendoza and Las Vegas, which needs to find multiple new starters up front this offseason.

Mekari’s departure would leave a gaping hole in the Jaguars’ offensive line. Would it really be worth losing him, Thomas, and another first-rounder for a single defensive player?

Probably not. The exercise is the exercise, though. If the Jaguars were to submit a trade package for Crosby, this is what I imagine it’d look like.

Thus, this is what I sent to Bill.

(As I wrote to him, “We’d like to get a Day 3 pick back to help reload our draft capital.)

Raiders trade: DE Maxx Crosby, 2027 4th

Jaguars trade: WR Brian Thomas Jr., RG Patrick Mekari, 2027 1st

I do believe that Crosby will be traded in the near future. The question is whether the Jaguars are at a spot where they feel comfortable going all in. It’s one thing to make a major move for Travis Hunter, who’s just 22 years of age and offers sport-altering potential. It’d be another to push the chips to the middle of the table for Crosby at the end of his prime.

---

After submitting my proposal, Bill received two more offers.

• Ravens (Baltimore Beatdown): 2026 3rd (No. 80), 2027 1st, 2027 3rd, 2028 2nd (conditional on the Raiders absorbing $20 million of Crosby’s contract), WR Rashod Bateman
• Bears (Windy City Gridiron): 2026 1st (No. 25), 2027 3rd, WR D.J. Moore

Baltimore’s offer stands out to me as the top option. It would provide the most draft capital for Las Vegas, and Bateman is a former first-round pick who could benefit from a change of scenery.

Bill finalized the exercise here by reviewing the offers and determining whether any were worth accepting.

The Raiders are on the record, saying they want to keep Crosby. They would have to be blown away to move him.

My biggest problem is the deferred compensation. If you’re going to play with Crosby in 2026, you’re going to need some immediate firepower. I get that the 2027 draft is considered better overall than this year and the Raiders are in a rebuild, so later picks will be of value. Still, we want more now.

To be honest, I don’t see the Raiders agreeing to any of these deals. So, I’m not either. If Crosby pushes the matter and forces a deal, I think I like Windy City Gridiron’s offer the best.

I suppose the fact that Chicago offered the best 2027 draft pick is what swayed Bill. Not great to hear on our end, since Jacksonville’s first pick this year is all the way down at 56th overall. Alas. If the Raiders were to call the Jaguars and ask if they could beat the Bears’ package, the Jaguars would politely decline and move on to the next guys at the top of their wish list.

---

Jaguars fans, do you think the team should be aggressive in pursuing Crosby? How would you go about building a mock proposal? What do you think the Raiders will end up doing?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-t...onville-jaguars-las-vegas-raiders-maxx-crosby

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Tweets of the week: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, and more

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 6: Trevor Lawrence #16 and Travis Hunter #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium on October 6, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

Happy Women’s History Month:

Happy Women's History Month! pic.twitter.com/UCIJxGpb2X

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 1, 2026

Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter blind ranked the Jaguars’ top-five plays from 2025:

16 is diplomatic as always with his blind rankings

Visit https://t.co/cyd91PyiRr for more highlights pic.twitter.com/jCY6RhqG00

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 3, 2026

Blind ranking our Top 5 plays is easier when you play both ways

Visit https://t.co/cyd91PyiRr for more highlights pic.twitter.com/cJQDqKyMTx

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 3, 2026

QB1 highlights from last season:

When they talk just cut on the tape

Visit https://t.co/cyd91PyiRr for more highlights pic.twitter.com/stBm3sdntS

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 4, 2026

A young Travis Hunter:

One day you're eating dino nuggets while building living room forts and the next you're in the NFL pic.twitter.com/0I6aMGRW7k

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 4, 2026

Big Smoot celebrated a birthday:

SMOOOOOOOOT @FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/8dASXv2ujm

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 2, 2026

Foye Oluokun and Josh Hines-Allen attended the River City Rumble:

Catch us courtside #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gHs5JLwrdo

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 2, 2026

Jourdan Lewis weighed in on first-round draft picks and developing existing players:

Or teams that trade their high draft picks understand how to develop/coach personnel. This goes unnoticed a lot I see. https://t.co/R2X4nFD1oo

— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) March 5, 2026

Ian Hartitz shared some of LeQuint Allen’s pass pro highlights:

LeQuint Allen pass pro highlights pic.twitter.com/NAVv2itBvQ

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 4, 2026

The Louisville Kings signed James Robinson:

Louisville, we got him

James Robinson joins a STACKED running back room on the Kings for the 2026 season pic.twitter.com/haGeixA0Ya

— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) March 3, 2026

Marcedes Lewis’s original draft card from the 2006 draft:

MARCEDES LEWIS, @Jaguars TE
20th ANNIVERSARY
Below is the original draft card of @MarcedesLewis89, selected 20 years ago with the #28 Pick in the 2006 @NFL Draft. The card is kept @ProFootballHOF. #DUUUVAL #Jags #Jaguars #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLCombine #NFLCombine2026 #nflnews #NFLX pic.twitter.com/2QkKX7IX69

— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) February 27, 2026

Jimmy Smith talked about his nickname from Jackson State:

When you come to Jackson State, you leave with a nickname @JimmySmithJags #GuardTheeYard pic.twitter.com/WqeakPReHb

— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) March 2, 2026

A historic season for the franchise:

Can't wait for Season 2 to drop @Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/THYPhFXfGD

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 27, 2026

The Jaguars shone a spotlight on Stanton High School Girls Flag Football Coach Cliff Collins Jr.:

A true role model

Stanton High School Girls Flag Football Coach Cliff Collins Jr. shapes young lives daily through a growing sport, creating Black History right here in #DUUUVAL! pic.twitter.com/euHE2jwToL

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 27, 2026

Everyone, take care of yourself and your mental health:

Crazy times we living in rn

— Mal (@jamalagnew) February 28, 2026

I hope you have a good weekend! Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...e-week-trevor-lawrence-travis-hunter-and-more

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars 2026 Free Agent Fits: From Blockbusters to Bargains

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 04: Running back Tyler Allgeier (25) of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball during the week 18 NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday January 4, 2026 at the Mercedes-Banz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A new regime means new priorities, and with the 2026 NFL tampering window opening Monday, Jacksonville’s year-two free agency approach under Liam Coen, Grant Udinski, Anthony Campanile, and Heath Farwell is about to come into focus. We take a close look at the free agents who fit what this new Jaguars staff is building and what landing even one of these targets would mean for Duval’s 2026 outlook. With many high and low-tier free agent options being linked to Jacksonville, we take a look at the key position groups, and the options available at each.

*market valuations via OverTheCap and/or Spotrac

DT: Interior Pass Rush Targets (3)​

DT John Franklin-Myers (Denver Broncos)

• Age: 29
• Pass Rush Win Rate: 12.7%
• Expected Market Value (AAV): $14M

The most expensive defensive tackle option is also the most productive, and the only three-technique noted. Franklin-Myers finished last season tied for 18th in total pressures with 39, while his eight sacks ranked tied for fifth in the NFL, and his eight QB hits placed tied for 11th. His 12.7% pass rush win rate ranked tied for 15th via PFF. For a Jaguars team desperate for interior disruption, Franklin-Myers represents the simplest path to the highest ceiling. Though at $14 million per year, he carries the heftiest price tag of the three options and turns 30-years old in 2026. However, JFM provides the team a second pass rushing interior defensive lineman that is missing when Davon Hamilton is off the field, and a slightly younger tackle to take over for Arik Armstead.

Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers is the outside Free Agent I want for the Falcons

6-4, 288 3-4 DE
14.5 sacks last two seasons (prime)
4th Round Pick from Stephen F. Austin
Broncos STOLE him for 2yrs/$15M
pic.twitter.com/JWKh76lMQP

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 18, 2026

NT Sheldon Rankins (Houston Texans)

• Age: 31
• Pass Rush Win Rate: 11.1%
• Expected Market Value (AAV): $7.5M

Coming off a one-year, $5M deal in Houston, Rankins quietly put together one of the more well-rounded seasons of any interior lineman on the market. His 44 pressures and 10.9% pass rush win rate held up well, and his 61.2 PFF run-defense grade placed in the 73rd percentile at the position. At 31 years old there are durability questions, but his motivation coming out of Houston facing his former team twice a year, shouldn’t be overlooked. At $7.5 millionhe represents strong value, with a potential point to prove by staying in the AFC South.

SHELDON RANKINS TAKES IT BACK FOR A TD

HOUvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/K63YkhukX8

— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026

NT DJ Reader (Detroit Lions)

• Age: 31
• Pass Rush Win Rate: 10.2%
• Expected Market Value (AAV): $3.3M

The most affordable option presented may also be one of the most underrated. Reader posted a 68.5 overall PFF grade, 33rd out of 134 interior defensive linemen, along with a 71.8 pass-rush grade that ranked 24th among all defensive tackles in 2025. The 330-pound pocket pusher recorded 20 total pressures with the Lions and at a market value of just $3.3 million, represents a significant upgrade over DaVon Hamilton’s 3.6% pass rush win rate at a fraction of the cost. For a team building under a new regime with cap considerations in mind, Reader could be the most efficient move Jacksonville makes this offseason, though he will turn 32 this season, resulting in potentially a shorter-term contract.

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LB: Filling the Lloyd Void (4)​

Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears)

• Age: 27
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$9M to $15M

Edmunds is a wildcard of this group. A recent addition to this list after being released by the Bears on Thursday, he finished 2025 with a stat line that looks excellent on the surface, 112 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three QB hits, one fumble recovery, nine pass breakups, and four interceptions. At one point during the season he was among the league leaders in interceptions, and the 2023 contract that averaged $18M per year speaks to how the league valued him not long ago.

The context surrounding his release matters though. The Bears were in need of salary cap space, sitting at $4 million above the salary cap before releasing Edmunds, a move that saved them $15 million off the cap. Additionally, many in Chicago believe that Edmunds may have returned from a week 12 groin injury before he was fully ready, resulting in a final few games that showed it. In his first game back from a four-game absence beginning in week 12, he was targeted five times and surrendered five receptions for 46 yards. A source familiar with the situation suggested the injury had a more significant impact on his performance than the box score reflected. The cost uncertainty is likely the biggest obstacle. A market range spanning $9M on the low end to $17M at the high end makes him nearly impossible to project. At $9M he’s an interesting bet on a bounce-back season from a 27-year-old with legitimate upside. At $17M he becomes a tough sell for a team that needs to allocate resources across multiple positions this offseason. The number that lands on Edmunds will likely determine whether Jacksonville, or anyone else, takes the plunge. If his price gets anywhere close to the Devin Lloyd range, then Jacksonville will likely bow out due to similar cap constraints.

Linebackers with the most interceptions so far this year:

t1. Devin Lloyd – 5
t1. Ernest Jones IV – 5
3. Tremaine Edmunds -4
4. Cody Barton – 3 pic.twitter.com/DJFashCFTB

— SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) December 10, 2025

Quay Walker (Green Bay Packers)

• Age: 25
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$8M

Walker is probably one of the most divisive names on this list, with the Green Bay fanbase mirroring the same split in opinions Jaguars’ fans had over Devin Lloyd before his breakout 2025 season. Walker led the Packers in tackles with 128 in 2025, but his coverage struggles were impossible to ignore, surrendering 653 yards when targeted, the fifth-most of any linebacker in the league. One source inside the Green Bay organization described him plainly as a two-down linebacker based on his 2025 tape. That characterization would normally be disqualifying. But here’s the wrinkle, Anthony Campanile was previously Walker’s linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator in Green Bay. If Jacksonville pursues Walker, it becomes one of those trust-the-coach-who-knows-the-prospect-best situations. Campanile has seen Walker up close, knows exactly what he’s working with, and (in the chance he is added) clearly believes he can get more out of him than Green Bay did. It’s also worth noting the parallel to Lloyd, whose fifth-year option wasn’t picked up either, and who faced similar questions before flourishing. Walker is 25 years old with tackling ability Campanile clearly valued. The bet here would be that the right coaching in Jax unlocks the rest.

Alex Anzalone (Detroit Lions)

• Age: 31
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$7.5M

Anzalone is a close one-for-one replacement for what Devin Lloyd does in the middle of a defense, with the ability to hold up against the run and contribute meaningfully in the passing game. He slides into the Mike linebacker role without requiring much of an schematic adjustment, which matters enormously for a coaching staff who may be interested in keeping as much of the 2025 system the same as possible.

Alex Anzalone with the leaping INT #DETvsCIN FOX#GatorMade | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/6hlScNJK6O

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 5, 2025

The primary concern with Alex is arguably age. At 31, Anzalone runs against the pattern of Jacksonville’s recent roster-building approach, which has skewed younger unless the signing was clearly a short-term stopgap, Eric Murray at 31 and Dennis Gardeck at 30 being the exceptions (with Gardeck’s deal being a one-year commitment). A Spotrac market value of around $7.5M would likely structure as a three-year deal with a two-year out, making it manageable, and frankly, that number is modest compared to what Lloyd is likely to command on the open market this offseason. If the Jaguars want the safest, most proven replacement for what Lloyd brought to this defense, Anzalone could be a solid option. The age and athleticism concern is real, but the fit is undeniable.

Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Age: 25
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~4.6M

Chenal has a devoted following in the advanced analytics community, and the traits conversation around him is legitimate. However, his usage data raises serious questions about whether free agent dollars are the right investment here. In his most-played season, Chenal was on the field for just 53% of defensive snaps, and of those snaps, he only lined up at a true linebacker position 44% of the time. In four NFL seasons he has never logged 450 defensive snaps in a single year. That makes a direct comparison to Devin Lloyd, who lined up at linebacker on 72% of his 2025 snaps, an almost impossible comparison. The profiles are so different that it becomes a pure traits conversation disconnected from on-field role, and spending meaningful free agent dollars on a player whose usage has been that limited is a difficult sell for me, when cheaper, scheme-ready options exist through the draft. Many love the player, and I can absolutely see why, but it’s hard to make the math work on Chenal in free agency as a replacement for Lloyd.

The other variable working against a big investment at linebacker is the internal depth already present. Jack Kiser was drafted with a future role in mind, and Ventrell Miller entered 2025 as a co-starter alongside Lloyd. There’s a legitimate argument that Jacksonville simply goes younger and cheaper at the position, allows Miller grow into the role, and allocates those dollars elsewhere.

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CB: Stabilizing the Floor (3)​

Jaylen Watson (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Age: 25
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$13M

Watson is a legitimate starting corner with the versatility to play inside and outside, posting a 74.9 PFF grade and a 5.8% missed tackle rate that ranked tied for ninth in the league in 2025. The profile is real, but so is the overlap, arguably. Watson operates in the same inside-outside flexible mold as Jaarian Jones and Jourdan Lewis, which raises a fair question about whether Jacksonville would be wise to pay $13M for a redundant skillset for this group. If the Jaguars’ priority is adding a corner who genuinely expands what the defense can do schematically, Watson may not be the most efficient path to get there. If they already like what they have in Jones, it’s hard to justify the $13 million price tag for more of the same, while needing a bonafide outside cornerback option.

Day one of posting my free agent targets for the #Commanders

1) Jaylen Watson – Chiefs CB

6-foot-2, 197 pounds
27 years old
69.0 passer rating when targeted
6 DEFLs
2 INTs
2 sacks
5.8% missed tackle rate

Projected AAV ~$11-12 million#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/9W5Ikk0Mne

— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) March 3, 2026

Montaric Brown (Jacksonville Jaguars)

• Age: 25
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$9M to $10M

Well, this is awkward. In evaluating the outside cornerback market it’s hard not to circle back to Brown’s 2025 numbers, with a 74.0 PFF coverage grade and a 73.3 passer rating when targeted. For a fuller context, Montaric allowed 50 or more receiving yards in four separate games this year, but he also led the entire NFL in passer rating allowed when targeted in zone coverage at 45.8. Consistency and the ability to play more man coverage is arguably the concerns here, but at $9M there are fewer cleaner options available that don’t also carry baggage.

Eric Stokes (Las Vegas Raiders)

• Age: 26
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$7.5M

This is the most interesting name on the list for me, and the one that fits Jacksonville’s recent roster-building blueprint almost perfectly. Stokes took a one-year prove-it deal with the Raiders and delivered the best season of his career, posting a career-high 73.6 overall PFF grade, a 73.5 PFF coverage grade, and a 77.2 passer rating when targeted. He is exactly the kind of buy-low, bounce-back candidate coming off a career year that the Jaguars have consistently targeted under this new regime. The pitch is straightforward, Stokes is 26 years old, playing his best football, and looking to prove last season wasn’t a fluke. He’ll want to earn real money, which means the deal structure likely favors Jacksonville with a modest base and meaningful incentives attached. Critically, signing Stokes at $7.5M doesn’t close the door on drafting a cornerback either, which preserves flexibility in a draft class that could offer genuine value at the position. For a team that needs to be thoughtful about where the big dollars go this offseason, Stokes could represent the kind of calculated, low-risk addition that quietly makes a roster better without breaking the bank.

The NFL cornerbacks who allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap in 2025 (min. 200 cov. snaps):

Eric Stokes, LV – 0.5
Pat Surtain II, DEN – 0.6
Joey Porter Jr., PIT – 0.6
James Pierre, PIT – 0.6
Tre’Davious White, BUF – 0.6
Quinyon Mitchell, PHI – 0.7
… pic.twitter.com/nFkg0qIDE1

— PFSN (@PFSN365) January 21, 2026

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RB: Balancing the Room​

Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers)

• Age: 27
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$6.5M

Dowdle has quietly built up one of the more consistent production profiles of any back in this free agent class. He followed up an 1,100-yard season in Dallas with a near-1,100-yard campaign in Carolina on a $3M contract. His career average of more than 3.0 yards after contact per carry speaks to a player who doesn’t go down easy. The volatility of his 2025 season with the Panthers’ offense, genuine high points mixed with stretches of underwhelming production, may actually work in Jacksonville’s favor at the negotiating table, suppressing a market that might otherwise price him out of consideration. Dowdle fits best as a complementary hammer in a backfield rotation rather than a featured back carrying 20-plus touches per game, and with the right shared mix with Bhayshul Tuten that’s exactly what he can be in Jacksonville.

#NFL Free Agent RBs: Missed Tackle/ Attempt

0.28- Kenneth Walker III
0.24- Brian Robinson
0.21- Javonte Williams
0.21- JK Dobbins
0.19- Kenneth Gainwell
0.19- Rachaad White
0.18- Tyler Allgeier
0.17- Travis Etienne
0.14- Rico Dowdle
0.11- Isiah Pacheco

Data: @PFF

— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) March 5, 2026

Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons)

• Age: 25
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$5.7M

Durability and consistency are Allgeier’s calling cards and it’s a genuinely rare combination. He has never missed an NFL game across four professional seasons, accumulated 20 total touchdowns, and has never fumbled in 737 career touches. Not once. Also, his 3.1 yards after contact per attempt over that span ranks as a top-30 mark among running backs league-wide. For an offense that wants a physical, reliable presence in the backfield who won’t cost them possessions or miss time, Allgeier, seemingly, checks every box. The lack of fumbles alone makes him the kind of low-maintenance, high-trust option that offensive coordinators quietly love having available on a football roster.

Rashard White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Age: 26
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$3.0M

White may be the most intriguing name on this entire list, relative to cost. He ranked fourth among all running backs in PFF rushing grade at 87.2 in 2025, graded in the 98th percentile on gap runs, and the 94th percentile on zone runs (meaning he is genuinely elite in both run-game contexts, which is exceptionally rare). He also recorded zero drops on 42 targets in the passing game, making him a complete back who won’t be a liability on third downs. At a market value of just $3 million, White represents one of the cleaner value plays in the entire free agent running back class. His versatility in both gap and zone schemes also opens up a schematic conversation for Jacksonville, should the Jaguars want to incorporate more man/gap concepts up front, White gives them a back already proven to thrive in exactly that environment. At that price point, and with experience in this system under Coen, this signing could easily mirror the buy-low nature of Center, Robert Hainsey’s stabilizing signing last offseason from Tampa.

---

Tight End Depth Needed​

David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)

• Age: 29
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$10M

The case for Njoku starts and ends with his blocking. Coming off a down year in Cleveland and having missed 11 games over the past two seasons, the 29-year-old still brings a blocking profile worth respecting, and in a different cap situation, a backup role behind Brenton Strange at a discounted rate would be an interesting conversation. But, I’m not sure if the math works for Jacksonville right now for the backup tight end role at this pay range. Paying $10M annually for a backup tight end on a roster with this wide receiver core and this many positional needs elsewhere is a difficult allocation to justify, regardless of what Njoku brings on the field. His limited suitor pool for a starting role may eventually push his market value down to a more reasonable number. But unless that price drops significantly, Jacksonville’s cap situation makes him a luxury the Jaguars likely can’t (responsibly) pursue this offseason.

Charlie Kolar (Baltimore Ravens)

• Age: 26
• Expected Market Value (AAV): ~$1.7M

Kolar is exactly the kind of under-the-radar addition that quietly improves a roster without demanding cap space or attention. Deployed primarily as Baltimore’s third tight end, he finished 2025 as the 16th highest-graded tight end in the NFL per PFF and 15th in run blocking. Those are numbers that would make him a legitimate contributor rather than solely a depth filler in Jacksonville’s system. He also set a career high with 142 receiving yards, showing flashes as a pass catcher to keep defenses honest. At around $2 million, Kolar is the kind of low-cost, high-competence addition that fits seamlessly into what the Jaguars need behind their starter, a reliable blocker who can catch, won’t cost meaningful cap space, and won’t limit Jacksonville’s ability to invest elsewhere. If Jacksonville learned anything from Brenton Strange’s 2025 injury, it’s that adequate tight end depth matters. Strange played in 12 games. Hunter Long played in only 9 and was often outsnapped by Quintin Morris following the bye week. Kolar could be among the first calls made at the position, even with Wednesday’s Morris extension.

Who are your favorite free agent targets for Jacksonville, BigCatCountry? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...r-jacksonvilles-best-free-agent-fits-for-2026

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Report: Jaguars Bolster Tight End Depth by Retaining Quintin Morris

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 09: Quintin Morris #80 of the Jacksonville Jaguars exits the field after warmups prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially kicked off their 2026 offseason by prioritizing depth and continuity in the tight end room, retaining veteran tight end Quintin Morris, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Sources: The #Jaguars are re-signing TE Quintin Morris to a 1-year deal worth up to $3M.

Morris is an ascending player who appeared in 14 games last season. Jacksonville values him for his blocking and special teams ability, while he has also shown the capacity to contribute in… pic.twitter.com/HCyGO06dsk

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2026

Retaining Quintin Morris never felt like a question of if, but when, for the Jaguars. Entering the 2026 offseason, Brenton Strange stood as the lone tight end firmly cemented into Jacksonville’s long-term plans. While the team technically has four players at the position under contract, the rest of the room carries varying degrees of uncertainty.

• Johnny Mundt – Veteran presence with blocking credibility, but not guaranteed a defined offensive role week to week.
• Hunter Long – Flashed traits early on. but was frequently a healthy scratch late in 2025.
• Patrick Herbert – Developmental option whose 2026 gameday status could swing in either direction in 2026.

Morris, however, carved out something more stable as the 2025 season unfolded. The 27-year-old began the year on shaky footing, inactive for Jacksonville’s first few games and playing limited snaps in the others. But following the team’s Week 8 bye, his role began to shift. By Week 10, Morris had quietly become a fixture in the offense. Over five of the season’s final nine games, he finished as the tight end room’s top snap earner outside of Strange, functioning largely as the team’s TE2.

Morris was deployed primarily as a blocker, helping stabilize heavy formations and support the run game, many weeks playing an equal share of offensive and special teams snaps. Yet that usage spoke volumes. As the season progressed, Jacksonville kept winning, and personnel decisions became more telling; the coaching staff consistently leaned toward Morris’ physicality and reliability. Meanwhile, Long was frequently a healthy scratch down the stretch, a clear indicator of where the internal pecking order stood. By season’s end, Morris had worked his way from practice squad tight end to playing in 14 games with 214 offensive snaps and 253 special teams snaps. That late-season trust likely carried over into this offseason decision.

With Strange operating as the featured receiving option at tight end, Morris provides insurance, special teams value, and a proven in-system presence. The rest of the room may still face competition, and additions through the draft or free agency remain possible, but the floor of the group feels more secure.

The Jaguars didn’t begin their offseason with a splash. They began it with stability. And sometimes, that tells you just as much about a team’s direction as any marquee signing would.

What are your thoughts on Morris returning on a one-year deal, Big Cat Country? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...r-tight-end-depth-in-retaining-quintin-morris

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars fan preferences for pick No. 56

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 26: Virginia Cavaliers offensive lineman Drake Metcalf (60) attempts to block Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (6) during a college football game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Virginia Cavaliers on September 26, 2025, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans which position the team should target with its first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Over half of the respondents chose defensive line, and 70% chose defensive line or cornerback.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has -20000 odds to be the first overall pick. That means a $200 bet would win one buck.

After that, who knows what will happen.

The draft has a kajillion different potential outcomes. The Jaguars’ biggest need may be defensive line, but will that line up with how the board falls? What if the best available players at No. 56 all play offense?

It’s always wise to address needs in free agency so they don’t lead to impulsive decisions during draft weekend. Here’s to hoping Jacksonville brings in a few new faces on the defensive line in March to allow for maximum flexibility in April.

Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

Jaguardian
Personally, I don’t see a scenario where Gladstone waits 55 picks to finally draft a player. Expect some maneuvering earlier.
Will from Jax Beach
we’re gonna have to settle for the guy behind the guy behind the guy
acedarney
I don’t care what position, just draft a good starter. I think anywhere on defense needs it the most, and OL and RB could use an upgrade. I think that’s too high for a backup WR or TE, and QB would be a waste.
mnkman322
Technically we still don’t have an established WR1, so that could still be on the table come draft day.

Could see the team admitting Tuten isn’t a HB1 and drafting someone at 56.

And depending on what happens with Mekari/Little we could still be looking for RG1 come draft day.

Which leaves DT1, SF1, ED2, ED3 as needs that make opportunity cost sense at pick 56 on defense.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ion/83161/jags-fan-preferences-2026-nfl-draft

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Former Jaguars RB Travis Etienne signs with hometown Saints

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Travis Etienne #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half in the game at NRG Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After eight straight years of playing football alongside Trevor Lawrence on the East Coast, Travis Etienne is returning home to Louisiana.

The free agent running back signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His annual salary of $13 million ranks sixth among all NFL running backs… right ahead of incumbent Saints starter Alvin Kamara ($12.25 million).

Source: Former Jaguars RB Travis Etienne will be signing with the New Orleans Saints. He’s from Louisiana and it was important for him to be near home. pic.twitter.com/fDFkejvqe5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

Etienne was born and raised in Jennings (located in southwest LA) and is of Louisiana Creole ancestry. He’s one of four children, having actually played against his younger brother and Panthers running back Travis in Week 1 of 2025. According to the Charleston Post and Courier, Etienne made it a tradition to take pictures with fans anytime he returned home from college for the holidays.

So yeah. Going home is a big deal to him.

Etienne, a former four-star recruit, committed to Clemson to play under coach Dabo Swinney. He led the Tigers in rushing as a true freshman, won the national championship as a sophomore, and finished his career as the all-time leader of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In 2021, Etienne and Lawrence were selected by Jacksonville in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

A preseason Lisfranc injury — which, ironically, occurred at the Caesars Superdome — cost Etienne his entire rookie campaign. Fortunately, the tackle-shedding speedster rebounded in 2022 with over 1,000 rushing yards and the 14th-most yards of scrimmage of any NFL player (1,441). Etienne finished his Jaguars career with three seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards, the second-most in franchise history behind Fred Taylor (7).

In the span of 69 games played and 63 starts (including playoffs), Etienne finished his Jacksonville career with 5,453 yards from scrimmage and 34 total touchdowns. He is one of four NFL running backs (joining Christian McCaffrey, Josh Jacobs, and Bijan Robinson) to have totaled over 3,750 rushing yards and over 1,300 receiving yards since 2022.

Though Etienne didn’t earn any formal NFL accolades during his time in Jacksonville, local media did award him the 2024 “Good Guy of the Year” award. All the best in the future, Travis.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-free-agency/83191/travis-etienne-signs-with-new-orleans-saints

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Former Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd signs with Panthers

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 07: Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) reacts after a play during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts on December 7, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Anthony Campanile’s defense faces a significant void heading into 2026 after Devin Lloyd, the Jaguars’ All-Pro linebacker, agreed to join the Carolina Panthers on a three-year, $45 million deal. While the move was widely anticipated, its impact on Jacksonville’s defensive core still may be hard to overstate.

Sources to me and @RapSheet: The #Panthers have agreed to terms with LB Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal with $25 million guaranteed Devin Lloyd. Deal done by his agents @AndreOdom and A.J. Stevens. pic.twitter.com/JLri1HHp83

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2026

The Jaguars traded into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Lloyd following his standout senior season at Utah. The Utes’ team captain and first-team All-American was a do-it-all defender, notching 66 tackles, a conference-leading 8 sacks, and 4 interceptions — including a pick-six to help win the Pac-12 championship game.

Lloyd eventually blossomed into the same kind of chess piece for the Jaguars. The former 27th overall pick had an up-and-down first three years in Duval County, which included a position change from MIKE to WILL under former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen in 2024, but he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades under Anthony Campanile in 2025. While Lloyd steadily developed his run defense since being drafted, his pass coverage really stepped up last year. And he’s always had a knack for getting after the quarterback in pass rush opportunities.

In the span of 66 games played and 64 games started (including playoffs), Lloyd totaled 455 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 26 pass breakups, and 9 interceptions across four seasons in Jacksonville.

Devin Lloyd allowed the 3rd-fewest EPA per target among linebackers this season (min. 40 targets).

Lloyd tied for a position high with 5 interceptions and allowed a 67.8 passer rating in coverage, 3rd lowest among that same group.@Panthers | #KeepPounding https://t.co/IYfkF3XstB pic.twitter.com/fSNtczNWfJ

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 10, 2026

The fifth-year option on his rookie contract was declined, leading the stud linebacker to hit the open market this month. With Lloyd’s departure, Jacksonville will likely explore the free agent market for a replacement before the 2026 NFL Draft in April. The Jaguars could also choose to promote from within, turning to Ventrell Miller, who shared starting duties in Week 1 of 2025, or newly drafted rookie Jack Kiser to step into the role.

The Jaguars get another 2027 compensatory pick on the board, this one a borderline 4th/5th rounder for Devin Lloyd going to Charlotte. https://t.co/VUqPIzrO7b

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) March 10, 2026

There is a silver lining for Jacksonville, however. The Monday departures of both running back Travis Etienne and Lloyd could position the Jaguars to receive at least two compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. For most fans, though, future draft capital does little to soften the blow of what figures to be difficult losses to replace for the 2026 season.

What are your thoughts on Lloyd signing for the low price of $15-million per year? Is this something that Jacksonville should have been in on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-f...er-jaguars-lb-devin-lloyd-signs-with-panthers

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Do You Believe? The Jaguars’ Trust Problem After Lloyd’s Departure

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Devin Lloyd #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs out prior to the AFC Wild Card Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Recent Jacksonville Jaguars fans know turbulence all to well. The Urban Meyer disaster. The Dave Caldwell era. Trent Baalke’s fractured regime. One disappointment has followed another for the better part of a decade. Now, with linebacker Devin Lloyd heading to Carolina, some of those buried fan frustrations have seemingly resurfaced as trust within the fanbase is interestingly running on fumes.

History Matters​

Entering the 2025 NFL season, Jacksonville was very much in a transition period. The organization had moved on from Doug Pederson and Baalke’s three-year build, with a condensed offseason following the late hires of head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone. In less than a single season, through ten trades, multiple roster restructurings, cuts, and acquisitions, Jacksonville walked away from 2025 with 13 wins and a nine-game improvement.

Yet somehow, despite trust being something that must be earned, and the results on the field solidly doing all the earning, Jaguars fans on Monday widely voiced their displeasure over the team moving on from Pro Bowl, Second-Team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd. This widespread reaction came despite this being a known reality for most within the fanbase for no less than a month. Lloyd’s $15 million per year price tag likely fueled some of the backlash, with many in both the media and the fanbase suggesting Jacksonville had the financial flexibility to hold onto the home grown talent. However, that narrative fails to account for the full picture.

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The Cap Is Real​

The Jaguars entered free agency ranked 30th of 32 teams in available cap space. They were never going to place themselves at the center of a bidding war to pay an off-ball interior linebacker top-five money at the non-premium position without truly unquestionably elite on-field production. A fanbase accustomed to splashing in free agency, where this time of year has historically served as their own version of a Super Bowl, is now week-by-week adjusting to what it means to support a winning organization. And with that comes a difficult reality: good players leave winning teams.

Whether it’s the Kansas City Chiefs, long thought of as the NFL team atop the hill, trading away L’Jarius Sneed or parting with Tyreek Hill, every player’s time eventually comes in the business of football. The hard truth is that only a select few are afforded the privilege of finishing their careers where they started. Both running back Travis Etienne and Lloyd occupied roles at non-premium positions while each delivered career years in contract seasons. Neither was a realistic franchise tag candidate given Jacksonville’s cap situation and both was far from a sure thing when discussing paying top four interior linebacker money and top five running back cash (based on AAV).

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Contract Year Caveat​

Travis Etienne entered into 2025 with a dark cloud lingering over his future in Jacksonville with the team obviously interested in bringing in additional running back talent in the 2025 draft. With rumors that the team was interested in Broncos running back RJ Harvey, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, and eventually drafting both Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen the conversation surrounding Etienne’s future kicked off the year with a major contract-year question. The same applies for Devin Lloyd, who begin the early part of 2025 as a co-starter with Ventrell Miller after three seasons of inconsistent play (including the defensively debilitating 2024 season under Ryan Nielsen for multiple players).

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Where’s the Trust?​

But the central question in all of this ultimately comes back to trust, for the fanbase. If fans genuinely believe that Liam Coen is the right coach to lead this franchise forward, and truly believes that Anthony Campanile is the architect who helped mold Lloyd into the Pro Bowl and All-Pro player he became, then doesn’t it stand to reason those same coaches can do it again? Much of the current reaction appears to be rooted in past hurt and past distrust, a reflex forged through years of mismanagement.

But this front office and coaching staff are demonstrably not those prior regimes. To date, Jaguars fans have been given little reason not to trust James Gladstone, Tony Boselli, and Liam Coen, whose actions have to date backed up their words at nearly every turn. That’s not to say they won’t miss on a player evaluation, every organization does. But it is to say that if you have the right people in place, it tends to work out. So in the words of Coach Prime himself, Deion Sanders: do you really believe, Duval?

If so, to the best of each of our abilities, let’s aim to carry ourselves accordingly. Winning teams change. Rosters evolve. Players move on. If you’re not ready to trust the coach, the GM, or the position coach, well, that’s nothing new around here either. For everyone’s sake, hopefully the 2026 results on the field continue to do the convincing. If you don’t trust the process, trust the results.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...-jaguars-trust-problem-after-lloyds-departure

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Re-Sign OLB Dennis Gardeck

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Dennis Gardeck #47 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in coverage during an NFL 2025 game against the New York Jets at Everbank Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars made their second move of the first day of 2026 NFL free agency.

Not long after locking up cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown to a three-year contract, the Jaguars re-signed outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed LB Dennis Gardeck. pic.twitter.com/cPawnNGGyC

— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) March 9, 2026

According to Ollie Connolly of the Read Optional, Gardeck’s deal is worth $12 million over two years. It may be incentive-heavy with little guaranteed money. Still, it’d be a sizable step up from the one-year, $2 million contract he signed late last offseason as a 30-year-old free agent coming off major knee surgery.

The thing is, he earned it. Gardeck is as “intangibly rich” as they come and boasts the fundamentals to match his infectious energy. Despite his age and injury history, he can fill a variety of roles playing along the edge of the line of scrimmage. Re-signing a versatile veteran at a position of need felt like a no-brainer.

.@DGardeck has that #DUUUVAL DNA

Visit https://t.co/cyd91PyiRr for more highlights pic.twitter.com/AW1IhFzTN7

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 9, 2026

Gardeck finished the 2025 season with 48 combined tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. He’s totalled 204 tackles and 19.5 sacks over eight NFL seasons since going undrafted in 2018.

As of the time of this writing, we’re 90 minutes into the start of the league’s legal tampering period for free agency, yet there’s been no news on deals for linebacker Devin Lloyd or running back Travis Etienne. Maybe the team could bring them back if their markets weren’t as lucrative as expected…

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacksonville-jaguars-news/83181/jaguars-re-sign-olb-dennis-gardeck

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

2026 NFL Free Agency: Jaguars sign former Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez

Nov 30, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars have added their first new player of the 2026 NFL year.

We have agreed to terms with RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.⁰⁰@Shift4 | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gda0WpAW91

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 11, 2026

Former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has agreed to a contract with Jacksonville. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it’s a two-year deal with a base value of $10 million, a max value of $12 million, and $6.2 million guaranteed.

The Jaguars had a hole at the position, as Travis Etienne officially signed with the New Orleans Saints when the league year began at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Rodriguez won’t be expected to fully assume the high volume of touches that Etienne leaves. Rather, he’ll enter a three-man committee alongside 2025 Day 3 draft picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. Tuten figures to lead the backfield, with Rodriguez serving as a between-the-tackles grinder on early downs and Allen providing pass protection on late downs.

Rodriguez posted a career-high 500 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, albeit a career-low 4.5 yards per attempt, in 2025. He totalled 920 yards and 10 scores on the ground — and just 6 total receptions — across three seasons with the Commanders.

The popular online opinion from that fanbase is that Rodriguez was underutilized in the run game.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. among 48 RBs in 2025

yards after contact/attempt: 4.0 (2nd)
yards over expectation/attempt: +0.7 (14th)
rushing success rate: 45.5% (8th)
rushing expected points added: +3.5 (8th)

rush attempts: 112 (48th)

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) March 11, 2026

Before being drafted by Washington, Rodriguez became Kentucky’s third all-time leading rusher and second all-time leading rushing scorer over a five-year career that included two team captain selections and a second-team All-SEC selection (2021).

His offensive coordinator that season?

Liam Coen.

clip from a 2023 interview of Liam Coen talking about Chris Rodriguez Jr. (who earned All-SEC honors at Kentucky in 2021 under Coen)

“[Rodriguez] just doesn’t get tackled.” pic.twitter.com/0HkFy86pT2

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) March 11, 2026

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-free-agency/83282/2026-nfl-free-agency-jags-chris-rodriguez

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville is Turning Free Agent Losses Into Draft Gold

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JULY 23: General Manager James Gladstone, Executive Vice President of Football Tony Boseelli and team owner Shahid Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars during training camp at Miller Electric Center on July 23, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Following the Los Angeles Rams’ blueprint, the Jacksonville Jaguars have quietly begun building one of the league’s more impressive draft stockpiles. The Jaguars are projected to receive three compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, one shy of the league maximum of four picks any single team can receive in a given draft.

Since 1994, the LA Rams have had 51 compensatory draft picks (4th most) not including special selections (coaches leaving)

In this same span the Jags have had 21 (26th)

Coming from the LA system, Gladstone's likely to let players walk in order to rebuild in the draft pic.twitter.com/kT3oDSx5fQ

— SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) March 4, 2026

For the uninitiated, compensatory picks were introduced after the NFL trimmed its draft from 12 rounds down to seven following the 1993 season. As part of that agreement, the league committed to distributing up to 32 additional picks each year to teams that lost the most impactful free agents, with no single team eligible to receive more than four in any given draft.

2026: 11 picks

• Second round
• Third round (3)
• Fourth round
• Fifth round (2)
• Sixth round
• Seventh round (3)

2027: Seven picks (plus three projected comp picks*)

• First round
• Second round
• Third round
• Fourth round (2*)
• Fifth round (2*)
• Sixth round (2*)
• Seventh round

It’s worth noting that current projections are exactly that, projections. Compensatory pick valuations aren’t finalized until roughly one to two months before the draft. The team at OverTheCap tracks the league’s formula closely and publishes running projections, but they’re quick to acknowledge that offseason moves, training camp cuts, injuries, playing time, and postseason honors, such as All-Pro selections or All-NFL recognition from the Pro Football Writers, can all shift the final numbers up or down before the league makes its official awards. In short, rooted for on-field success in 2026 for those who left Jacksonville, if for nothing more than selfish reasons.

According to OverTheCap, the three projected 2027 picks for the Jaguars break down as potential 4th, 5th, and 6th round selections, compensation for the departures of Devin Lloyd (4th to 5th), Travis Etienne (5th), and Greg Newsome (6th), respectively. In total, Jacksonville now projects to hold 21 selections across the next two drafts, with those three compensatory picks still awaiting formal league confirmation.

Welcome to the compensatory pick game, Duval, where winning results in losing quality players, while recouping some of that lost value via awarded mid to late round picks the following season.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...83280/2026-nfl-free-agency-jags-finding-value