The Jacksonville Jaguars played a lot of great football in 2025. Going into the campaign, we expected stars like Brian Thomas Jr., Tyson Campbell, and Josh Hines-Allen to lead from the frontlines and help Liam Coen acclimate himself to the rigors of building a new program from scratch.
But that is not how things went down.
Unheralded grinders like center Robert Hainsey, running back Bhayshul Tuten, and defensive tackle Davon Hamilton delivered consistent performances and the occasional big play to finish off must-win games. Star players bring in the casual viewers, but the unsung heroes on a football team help franchises win championships.
In this little ditty, we're going to scour the Jaguars' roster and highlight two obscure contributors that James Gladstone should lock down before someone else discovers these diamonds in the rough.
Tim Patrick provides a big, experienced target for the Jaguars offense
The Jacksonville Jaguars are due to be pressed against the salary cap at the start of the league year. Tim Patrick could be a cheap, veteran option on the open market who already knows the team's offensive system and has a positive relationship with its franchise quarterback.
During the regular season, Patrick caught 15 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns. One of those three scores was a 26-yard bomb against the Seattle Seahawks, which showed he could make plays against the stiffest competition in the league.
The 32-year-old's one-year contract was only worth $2.5 million. However, it should be noted that Patrick signed that deal with the Detroit Lions.
Jacksonville traded for the towering Utah alum right before the season started. The front office only gave up a sixth-round selection, but one would think the Jaguars' new regime isn't in the business of wasting resources while establishing their foundation. Gladstone saw something in Patrick when the latter was still wearing Honolulu Blue, so it wouldn't be surprising if he was brought back to provide reliable depth to a young and developing wide receiver room.
Dennis Gardeck gives the Jags a versatile chess piece who provides depth and disruption
Foye Oluokun and Devin Lloyd highlighted how well Anthony Campanile uses defenders at the second level of the field. Lloyd had the best season of his career, and Oluokun curated his sixth-straight season with 100 or more combined tackles. Gardeck flexed his muscle as well in the limited reps he got. And while the former Cardinal isn't the flashiest prospect on the roster, there's a chance he could fill multiple roles in 2026.
Last offseason, Gardeck signed a one-year deal worth $2. million with $1.5 million guaranteed. The production Jacksonville got out of him was worth every penny and then some.
Gardeck finished the regular season as the Jaguars' fourth-best pass rusher with 2.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits. The pride of Sioux Falls also disrupted the run game, as he was tied for fourth on the team with six tackles for loss.
There aren't many teams in the sport that would turn down the chance to pressure offensive lines with their second wave of playmakers. Gardeck may not be a full-time starter at this point in his career, but he could be one of the better EDGEs in Campanile's blitz-heavy scheme if Jax is able to retain him after 2026's chaotic coaching carousel.