Jacksonville Jaguars avoid big-name free agents in legal tampering period

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a vast amount of cap space, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them making a few splash signings ahead of free agency. However, they have taken a calculated approach during the legal tampering period and haven’t really made big-name signings.

The Jags have agreed to terms on a three-year $24.4 million contract with former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, per Mike Garofolo of NFL Media. They reached an agreement with former Detroit Lions wide receiver Jamal Agnew on a three-year deal that maxes out at $21 million, per Garofolo as well.

Head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke must’ve felt comfortable about the moves. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have pulled the trigger. On the other hand, these are not the kind of splash signings some (guilty as charged) thought they would make this offseason. Free agency will officially start Wednesday but so far, the Jaguars’ brass has taken a calculated approach towards the open market.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ free agency strategy shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Baalke said in a recent sit-down with the local media that the Jaguars would be looking for value in free agency and the fact they haven’t gone out the way to lure free agents reaffirms that notion. Tight end Jonnu Smith was a favorite to land in Jacksonville this offseason but he already has reached an agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year $50 million deal. Looking at his $12.5 million per year average, it makes sense the Jags didn’t bother.

On the other hand, free agency hasn’t even started yet and it’s too early in the process to tell whether the Jaguars will switch gears. Other than re-signing their own and applying the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson, they haven’t been really aggressive. There’s still plenty of time and to make one of those big-name signings and plenty of playmakers available.

If this Jacksonville team wants to sign a tight end, they could target Hunter Henry, whom former Miami Dolphins general manager Mike Tannenbaum described as an underrated blocker and a good receiver. Moreover, there are still plenty of talented cornerbacks available in the open market and. Keep in mind the offseason is a marathan not a sprint and you can’t win free agency when it hasn’t even started. Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars throw a curveball at everyone.