Jacksonville Jaguars feel good about cornerback group after free agency

After the 2020 season, it was uncertain how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ cornerback room would look in 2021. However, the unit seems to be in good shape after free agency and head coach Urban Meyer likes how their current cornerback group looks.

After the first few days of free agency, Meyer had a sit-down with the local media. He talked about how strong the team feels about the trio of Shaquill Griffin, Sidney Jones, and sophomore C.J. Henderson. The head coach also brought up Tre Herndon, praised his competitiveness, and added that he’s working very hard. He went on to say he likes where the team’s at with the four.

Before free agency, it was unknown (for those outside the building) if Jones was going to come back, as he was set to become an unrestricted free agent. A former second-round selection, he never panned out with the Philadelphia Eagles but joined the Jaguars once the 2020 season had started and quickly became a key contributor in their secondary before an Achilles injury cut his season short.

On the other hand, the Jags needed to bring someone else besides Jones, as he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Thus, they signed Griffin to a three-year $44.5 million contract. The former Seattle Seahawks cornerback will most likely play opposite of Henderson, who was probably the only corner on the Jaguars’ roster that had a starting spot guaranteed in 2021.

Meyer might not have liked how free agency unfolded but the team’s brass achieved their goal of revamping the secondary in free agency. Besides signing Griffin and bringing back both Herndon and Jones, the Jaguars also signed safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Last season, Jacksonville’s defense had a hard time stopping opposing quarterbacks from scoring at ease but the Jags’ new secondary will stop that from happening once again.

Even better is the fact that the Jaguars aren’t done yet hoarding talent. As important as their free agency signings will be for the team’s success, they will have another chance to keep bringing in a few playmakers in this year’s draft. This Jacksonville team has the chance to make some noise in 2021.