Jaguars re-sign Josh Wells to bolster OL depth

The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to add depth to the offensive line by re-signing Josh Wells, the team announced on Tuesday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have once again brought back one of their own free agents to help solidify the offensive line for the 2019 season. The team announced they have re-signed Josh Wells who was a spot starter last season.

The signing is the third by the Jaguars this season where the team has brought back their own free agent offensive linemen. Tyler Shatley was signed to a new deal this past week. The team announced A.J. Cann signed a new deal on the first day of free agency. The moves by the organization mean there are now 10 offensive linemen under contract for the upcoming season.

The Jaguars have also signed former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Cedric Ogbuehi in free agency to play on the right side and compete for a starting job. Wells also dealt with injuries with the rest of the offensive line last season and spent time on the injured reserve with a groin injury before he returned to the team during the 2018 season.

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"“It’s a blessing,” Wells told jaguars.com. He has started nine of 39 games played with the Jaguars. He started four games in 2018."

The moves to add depth may not stop the Jaguars from drafting an tackle or guard or both in the NFL Draft in three weeks. The general consensus is the front office will select Florida tackle Jawaan Taylor with the seventh overall pick. Wells’ experience with this unit may pay off for him and the team in 2019.

"“I’m excited to be part of it,” Wells said. “There’s a lot going on and they’re doing everything they can do put the right people in place. I’m just excited to start winning.”"

Team head coach Doug Marrone told the media and John Oehser he is comfortable with the offensive line, especially with the addition of offensive line coach George Warhop, who will be tasked with the responsibility of making this unit solid again. It was Warhop that wanted the team to bring back Cann to work with him and build on a successful 2018 campaign.

Marrone beamed about what the potential was with “Hop” working with players in camp.

"“Obviously, I have a comfort level with those players,” Marrone said at AFC-NFC Coaches Media breakfast at the 2019 NFL Annual Meeting last week at the Arizona Biltmore.“I just feel really comfortable knowing how he is going to approach that room and what he is going to do,” Marrone added about Warhop."

The offensive line must do a better job of protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the running game. Jacksonville gave up 53 sacks last season and ranked 19th in the NFL in yards per game on the ground in 2018.