Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for free agency and lock up 3 key players

Shatley offers flexibility to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ interior offensive line.

The Jaguars could trade left or release left guard Andrew Norwell this offseason and if that’s the outcome, Tyler Shatley will be a valuable commodity. Last season, the Clemson product ended up starting ten games in relief of Norwell, center Brandon Linder, and right guard A.J. Cann, playing 62 percent of the team’s total snaps on offense.

The Jaguars haven’t made Shatley’s signing official, but it was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. An undrafted free agent in 2014, he has spent his seven-year career in Jacksonville and last season, he posted a healthy 67.7 Pro Football Focus grade, giving up just two sacks and 15 total pressures.

Whether Norwell stays, Shatley can get off the bench at any time and the offensive line’s performance won’t take a significant dip with him in the lineup. Also, he could take over left or right guard if either Shatley or Cann underperform. Although the Jaguars could still take an offensive line prospect in the middle or late of 2021’s draft, Shatley’s presence decreases the need to do so. Jacksonville also has second-year offensive lineman Ben Bartch on the roster, so it seems like their interior offensive line taking shape for 2021.