Jaguars opt for volume on Day 1 of legal tampering period

Even though other teams have been actively spending on the first day of the legal free-agency tampering period, the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t made a splash signing yet. Instead, they have opted for volume and have brought a handful of players.

After reaching agreements with safety Rudy Ford, return specialist Jamal Agnew and defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, the Jaguars have also added running back Carlos Hyde, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

A second-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014’s draft, Hyde played eight games in Jacksonville in 2018 before spending the last two years with the Houston Texans and the Seattle Seahawks. Over his seven-year career, he’s appeared in 90 games, with 58 starts, and has tallied 1,153 carries for 4,726 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Dorsett was a first-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015. He was later traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Jacoby Brissett in 2017 and spent the last three years in Foxborough, hauling in 73 receptions for 881 yards and eight touchdowns in 45 games.

What is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ plan ahead of free agency?

So far, the Jaguars have let other teams dip their toes in the free-agent market. The Pats reached an agreement with tight end Jonnu Smith on a four-year $50 million deal while the Cleveland Browns agree to a three-year $33.75 contract with safety John Johnson III.

While both Smith and Johnson are talented players, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke talked about finding value in free agency and so far, it seems like he’s been true to his word. While none of Jacksonville’s recent signings will get the spotlight anytime soon, they will add depth to a team that lacked it last season.

This doesn’t mean Jacksonville won’t be active later. Rather, they’re just letting other teams dictate the market and are waiting for the proverbial value Baalke mentioned. After all, there are plenty of players still available and there’s no need for the Jaguars to go into a shopping spree… yet.