Jacksonville Jaguars bolster O-Line by re-signing Patrick Omameh
By Luke Sims
Guard Patrick Omameh will return to the Jacksonville Jaguars, re-signing to bolster an offensive line that needs talent.
Patrick Omameh’s re-signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars should not be looked at as settling the position at guard, but it is an important step in ensuring that there is at least some talent at the position.
It also means that tackle-turned-guard Luke Joeckel is all but completely out of the picture for the Jaguars. Omameh stepped up in 2016 while Joeckel looked much like a first-round bust, again.
Patrick Omameh impressed last year when filling in for Luke Joeckel. Probably safe to say the latter will be looking elsewhere in FA.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 7, 2017
Omameh also gives the Jaguars some flexibility at the guard position. Rather than absolutely having to big in the frenzy that will be around guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency, the Jags can afford to make offers on their own terms. Zeitler would be a nice addition, but if the price gets too high, the Jags can walk away. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union called that Plan B, which sounds pretty good.
Thinkin' #Jaguars all-in on Bouye/Campbell and then have a limit to how high they go for a guard. Have Omameh/Reed/draft pick as plan B
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) March 7, 2017
In a relatively cheap deal ($775,000, $100,000 signing bonus per O’Halloran’s league source), the Jags aren’t exactly making waves. But that doesn’t mean this is a signing that should be overlooked. In fact, Omameh may be something of a steal based on how he performed last year. Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke confirms that:
G with 0 sacks allowed and 0-1 hits allowed last year: M.Yanda, J.Mewhort, T.Lang, K.Long, J.Sitton, Patrick Omameh(just re-signed with JAC)
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) March 7, 2017
Hopefully Omameh can perform at a similarly high level in the 2017 season. If the Jags aren’t able to entice a top player over in free agency or land someone like Forrest Lamp in the 2017 NFL Draft, they may have to rely more on Omameh. That may not be ideal (remember, Plan B) but it would also not be the worst thing in the world.
In the end this is a quality depth signing with higher upside. Omameh can start if needed and he has delivered in limited action. He could end up being a steal or simply a solid addition. Either way, he bolsters an offensive line that desperately needs help.