EJ Perry highlights list of players the Jacksonville Jaguars sign to reserve/future contracts

Brown quarterback E.J. Perry signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after going undrafted last year. While he ended up not making the 53-roster, he landed on the practice squad. The Jags must think highly enough of him that they have brought him and other players back on Reserve/Future contracts.

Following Super Bowl Sunday, Jacksonville announced they’ve signed 14 players to Reserve/Future contracts, including Perry and former Notre Dame wide receiver Kevin Austin.

• E.J. Perry, QB
• Kevin Austin, WR
• Coy Cronk, OL
• Tyree Gillespie, S
• James McCourt, K
• Jaylon Moore, WR
• James Murray, OL
• Jimmy Murray, OL
• Ayo Oyelola, S
• Gerrit Prince, TE
• Mekhi Sargent, RB
• Deionte Thompson, S
• Nick Thurman, DT
• Darryl Williams, OL
• Seth Williams, WR

None of the players the Jaguars brought back saw significant playing time last season and will most likely need to compete for a roster spot in the offseason. As a matter of fact, some of them will get released following the 2023 NFL Draft, once teams put together their 90-man rosters.

The Jaguars signed several intriguing prospects to Reserve/Future contracts

While it’s hard to envision any of the players the Jaguars signed to Reserve/Future contracts making a huge impact in 2023, there are several who have potential to fill reserve roles down the road. Perry now has one year of NFL experience under the belt and could get more reps in training camp, especially if backup quarterback C.J. Beathard leaves in free agency. He should at the minimum compete for the QB3 job.

Kevin Austin signed with Jacksonville after going undrafted last year. He struggled with drops in training camp but the team’s brass has kept him around possibly because they think he can develop into a solid wide receiver. The same is true for Garrit Prince. Evan Engram, Dan Arnold, and Chris Manhertz — the Jaguars’ top tight ends from last year — are set to become a free agents, and that could pave the way for Prince to earn a roster spot.

Coy Cronk could also compete for a roster spot in the offseason. He was on the practice squad last year and was elevated to the active roster for three games in the regular season and both playoff contests. Another player to keep an eye on is running back Mekhi Sargent, who spent time with the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Jaguars late in the 2021 season.

There’s also kicker James McCourt, who was claimed off of waivers last year. He originally made the Jaguars’ 53-man roster but was released to pave the way for Riley Patterson. McCourt could provide insurance at kicker in case Patterson misses time.

Players’ readiness is always variable; some need more time than others to hit their stride in the NFL. Some of the players the Jaguars signed to reserve/future contracts could turn heads in training camp and potentially become key contributors in 2023.