Jaguars add Rodney Gunter to bolster defensive line

The Jaguars add much-needed size and strength to the defensive line by signing Rodney Gunter from the Arizona Cardinals to a three-year deal.

I’ll admit that when I heard the Jacksonville Jaguars added defensive lineman Rodney Gunter to the roster in free agency, it didn’t get me as excited as other names that I hoped would be signed this week.

But looking at how the former Arizona Cardinal could be used in Todd Wash’s defensive scheme, it makes more sense to me now and it should be viewed as one of those under-the-radar moves the Jaguars made this offseason.

"Per ESPN.com, “Gunter started 13 games at defensive end for the Cardinals before he was placed on injured reserve in 2019, tallying 31 tackles and three sacks with 10 quarterback hurries. He suffered a toe injury and missed the final three games.”"

Gunter was listed as a defensive tackle when it was announced he was signing with the Jaguars, but he is regarded as a 3-4 defensive end and for Jacksonville could play at the “big end” position that was held by Calais Campbell or move inside and play at one of the defensive tackle spots.

The Jaguars do have holes to fill on the defensive front. With Campbell traded to Baltimore and Marcell Dareus released for cap reasons, the team is in need of a run stuffer and someone who can get to the quarterback.

"Per the ESPN.com story, “A fourth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2015, Gunter had his best season as a pro in 2018, finishing with career highs in sacks (4.5), tackles (44) and forced fumbles (2).”"

The Jaguars still have a few options on their roster to help stabilize the defense. Dawuane Smoot had his best season in the NFL last season with six sacks. He was a rotational player who worked outside on the edge and inside to help with the run defense.

Abry Jones and Taven Bryan also figure to be active in the middle of the interior line.

In other Jaguars news…

The Jaguars also announced on Wednesday evening the team was bringing back free agent Tyler Shatley to help with offensive line depth.

"“It’s always good when you can get someone back who has worked extremely hard and is progressing,” Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said of Shatley per Jaguars.com. “He’s someone who you feel like can go in there and win games for you and is a guy who can go in there and compete.“Those positions are important as we move forward.”"

Shatley, 28, has played in 78 games with the Jaguars since 2014 when he was signed as a rookie free agent following the NFL Draft. He has 15 starts to his credit on the offensive line. He can play at all three interior line positions.