The Jacksonville Jaguars free agency free-for-all started off with a bang on Tuesday, signing three of their top five targets to the team. That’s huge for a small “undesirable” market like Jacksonville, especially with an abysmal 7-25 record over the last two seasons.
Things could finally be on the rise for the Jaguars and it’s pretty plain to see for most everyone that GM Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley are putting together something special.
While the emphasis of that rebuild has been on creating a sustainable franchise by drafting quality players with a few home run hits, the Jags entered the 2015 NFL Free Agency period with plenty of cap space and had to spend, spend, spend. The guys following are a result of that spending and will be important members of the Jaguars’ rebuild going forward.
"Check back here going forward for updates as the Jags sign more players!"
Let’s dive in:
Sep 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell (78) watches a replay on the video screen during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
OT Jermey Parnell, 5 Years, $32 million
Parnell’s deal with the Jaguars was one of those that broke early, before free agency officially began. It’s big news for the Jags because they needed to fill the void at right tackle that was manned mostly by Austin Pasztor last season (he was also re-signed this week as an exclusive rights free agent). Parnell comes in with limited starting experience, but his time helping the Dallas Cowboys’ superb offensive line last season was enough for Caldwell to be intrigued and take a chance.
Because Jermey Parnell’s work is unproven to this point and because the Jags are banking on him improving, I gave this signing a B-. He’s expected to come in and lock down the right tackle spot for the Jaguars and if he proves unable to do that, then the Jags are right back where they started and they’ll be left holding the bag on a large contract for a player that isn’t fulfilling their goals.
Next: Jags Get Linebacker Help
Oct 27, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Dan Skuta (51) celebrates with teammates including Corey Lemonier (96) after scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery return against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half during an International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports
LB Dan Skuta, 5 Years, $20.5 million
Skuta is coming to Jacksonville to play outside linebacker at the OTTO position in Gus Bradley’s defense. Another player whose signing announcement broke before free agency officially began, Skuta’s arrival in Jacksonville was overshadowed by Parnell’s and the signing of tight end Julius Thomas. Don’t mistake that as meaning he won’t have a significant impact on the defense. The Jags are desperately in need of some linebacker help (especially at outside linebacker) and they’re relying on Skuta to deliver. He’ll have every shot to be an impact player on the team.
But can he be?
Skuta is a sure tackler and should be dependable at a position that was lackluster in 2014. He doesn’t come with significant playing time until the 18 games he has started over the last two seasons. This seems like another signing in which Caldwell and Bradley hope the player can make a leap when he comes to Jacksonville. I gave this signing a C+ as there are some concerns I have with his ability to make that jump. The potential is there, but I’m curious to see if he can perform.
Next: Julius Thomas Comes to Jacksonville
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
TE Julius Thomas, 5 Years, $46 million
Thomas is the big catch for the Jaguars. He’s the guy they really wanted in free agency and they went out and got him. He’s expected to come in and immediately be an impact starter for an offense that really struggled to get the ball going through the air last season. He isn’t expected to be the main blocker (something he isn’t especially good at) but he is going to help Blake Bortles and improve the receiving corps as a whole.
One of the best parts about the Julius Thomas signing is that in signing him, the Jaguars proved that they can be a place where top-tier free agents want to come. Jaguars free agency 2015 really proved that Jacksonville is building something appealing here.
Thomas is expected to be a major impact starter and he’s expected to kickstart the offense. That’s a lot of responsibility for a young player, especially one with just two seasons starting under his belt (and not even full seasons). His 24 touchdowns over the time period were too much for the Jags to ignore, however, and it’s tempting to think of him hauling in passes for the team. There are some injury concerns, especially with his ankles, but if he can stay healthy the Jags have a major shot at becoming a far more dominant offense (not that hard, honestly). I gave this signing an A- as just bringing him here is a major success for the Jags. We have to expect him to continue to produce, however.
Next: The Defensive Line Becomes More Versatile
Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Jared Odrick (98) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
DT Jared Odrick, 5 Years, $42.5 million
The signing of Jared Odrick was big news for the Jaguars, who were more than happy to bring the versatile defensive lineman to Jacksonville. Odrick is coming to the Jaguars after being made the odd man out with the Ndamukong Suh signing by the Dolphins. He’ll be expected to be used as a versatile lineman with the team, like he has been in Miami where he played 3-4 defensive end and 4-3 defensive tackle. He had a down year in 2014 (one sack, 23 tackles), but expect him to rebound as 2014 is certainly the exception in his career.
Overall, this is a B signing. I like what Odrick can do and I fully expect him to prove himself in the coming years with the Jaguars. It’d be great if he returned to 2013 form, but even if he spends the years in Jacksonville performing at his 2014 level, the team will still have come away with a solid (though overpaid) addition.
Next: Davon House Promises to Shore Up Secondary
Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House (31) breaks up the pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
DB Davon House, 4 Years, $24.5 million
House, who the Jaguars targeted after they lost out on safety Devin McCourty (re-signed by New England Patriots), is a great addition to the Jaguars. He easily fills the void left by the departure of Will Blackmon and will have an immediate impact on defense. House, like many of the other signed free agents, brings a dependable presence to the Jaguars secondary (something they desperately need) and will compete for a starting job right away. Even if he loses out, he can still be an impact player from the third cornerback slot.
I was really pleased to see House leave the Green Bay Packers to come to Jacksonville. He’s an excellent addition and promises to be an impactful player – much like he was with the Packers – even if the Jaguars handed him too much money. I’m giving this one a B for the team. Getting a solid veteran presence in the backfield is key for the team’s success and House is exactly that. I hope that he can prove more effective with extended reps in Jacksonville.
Next: Sergio Brown Brings Reliability to Safety Position
Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts free safety Sergio Brown (38) reacts after a defensive stop during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
S Sergio Brown, 3 Years, $7 million
Brown is expected to come to the Jaguars and be an impact secondary player, much like House. Also much like House, he is being brought in as a reliable performer that the team can lean upon in case players like Josh Evans once again fail to produce. He’s a sure tackler and he’s versatile, having played both strong and free safety which is important for the Jaguars as they need a quality backup for Johnathan Cyprien and they also need competition at free safety. Brown’s personality is also a great addition to the team.
Overall, however, I’m not sold on Brown being a “solution” for the team going forward. It’s apparent that Caldwell doesn’t think Brown is going to be the guy in Jacksonville at safety (who hands just $7 million to their starter) and I’d be worried if ended up as the starting safety for the Jags. I’m giving this one a C+ for now, but I hope that Brown can really grow with the Jags and can put together solid reps.
Next: Jags Add a Wide Receiver/Punt Returner
Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Bryan Walters (19) against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
WR/KR Bryan Walters
The Jaguars added Bryan Walter, wide receiver and kick returner to the squad on Friday, March 13th. At this point we’re left wondering if he’s just a guy or if he actually has the potential to be a slot receiver and be a primary return man. He has comparable numbers to returner Ace Sanders, but nothing that really inspires confidence that he could just take the job and run with it.
Walters is the kind of player who could turn into somebody given time and I hope he can realize his potential. It feels almost like the Kassim Osgood signing of a few years ago. I was optimistic for Osgood then and I’m optimistic for Walter right now, I’m just wary he’ll turn out like Osgood, too.
Next: Jags take a low-risk shot on Bernard Pierce
Oct 6, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) looks on from the sideline during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
RB Bernard Pierce
Bernard Pierce, released by the Baltimore Ravens after a DUI, has been claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 19th as a low-risk option at running back. The team has been looking to add to their running back stable and Pierce figures to be an option with high upside despite flaming out last season with the Ravens.
The Ravens expected Pierce to be a primary carrier for their team, but he barely managed to make an impact last year and ceded his position to Justin Forsett. Forsett, to his credit, has a massive year in 2014. Pierce had just 366 yards last season and averaged 3.9 yards per carry. His 4.9 yards per carry in his rookie season just three years ago seem almost like a distant memory at this point. He wasn’t even getting over three yards per attempt in 2013.
If the Jags can kickstart his career, then this could turn into a great signing for the team. If not, well none of us will have known him long enough to miss him. I sincerely hope he can get back to form, though. The DUI isn’t a great indicator that he’s on the right track.
Next: Jags Signed Three of Top Five Targets
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