3 takeaways from Jacksonville Jaguars decision to give DE Roy Robertson-Harris new 3-year deal

Fixing the salary cap is one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ biggest priorities this offseason and they’ve taken several steps to do so. Not long after reworking linebacker Foyesade Oluokun’s contract, the Jags have given defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris a new deal.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports Jacksonville gave Robertson-Harris a three-year contract worth $30 million. While the exact terms of the contract aren’t public as of this writing, the move surely gave the Jaguars a bit of cap relief. It also ensures that Robertson-Harris doesn’t go anywhere. As of this writing, the team hasn’t made an official announcement yet but barring something extraordinary, it’s a matter of time before they do.

An undrafted free agent in 2016, the former Illinois Fighting Illini signed a three-year deal worth $23.4 million with the Jags in 2021. Entering the last year of his contract, he was seen as a potential cap casualty and maybe even a potential trade candidate. Before signing his new deal, Robertson-Harris was set to count $10.13 million against the cap but trading him or releasing him would have created $7.8 million in space and $2.3 million in dead money.

Roy Robertson-Harris’ new deal guarantees that he’ll remain in Jacksonville beyond 2023 but it will also impact other decisions the Jaguars will do in the upcoming days and weeks. With that in mind, here are three takeaways:

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to keep their 2022 core together

As recently as February 20, the Jaguars were $20 million over the cap and there were many ways they could have gotten relief. But instead of outright releasing players, they’re doing their best to keep their group from last year together. Had they released Roy Robertson-Harris, the team’s brass would have freed up cap space but it would have also created a need at defensive end.

By re-signing Roy Robertson-Harris, it sends the message that the Jaguars’ leadership values their current players and they’re willing to reward them if they deliver. Moreover, it shows they must think they have enough pieces in place to compete in 2023 and will do what they can to keep them in place.

2. Expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to keep making announcements

Tight end Evan Engram is set to become a free agent but has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to return. He recently said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that there’s a mutual interest to get a deal done, so there’s a good chance he and the Jaguars will strike a deal.

In the meantime, the team’s brass has announced they’ve re-signed backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, the restructuring of Foye Oluokun’s deal and Roy Robertson-Harris’ new deal. The Jaguars will continue to rework a few deals to get their cap under control and they’ll then move to take care of their players who are currently without a contract, including Engram.

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars strategy for the 2023 NFL Draft is taking shape

Had the Jaguars released Robertson-Harris, they would have probably looked for his potential replacement in the 2023 NFL Draft, given their limited amount of cap space. But he isn’t going anywhere and general manager Trent Baalke can now focus on upgrading other positions in the offseason.

If the Jags do sign Evan Engram to a multi-year contract, cornerback will probably be their pick at No. 24 overall in the draft. Another possibility would be a pass rusher, but those seem to be the most likely options after giving Robertson-Harris a new deal.