10 worst free agent signings in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history

The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown throughout team history that they’re not afraid to spend in free agency. The problem with that approach is that they haven’t always gotten enough bang for their bunk and have often found themselves overpaying for players that go on to have a minimal impact.

The Jags hit it out of the ballpark when they signed wide receiver Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and tight end Evan Engram last year. However, they’ve also made several puzzling decisions and their fair share of blunders in free agency throughout the years. Here are the worst 10 in franchise history.

10. Worst free agent in Jacksonville Jaguars history: Jared Odrick, DE

Paying a defensive lineman $8.5 million a year doesn’t seem like much by today’s standards but it was a huge amount in 2015, when the Jaguars gave Jared Odrick a five-year contract worth $42.5 million.

Although Odrick’s sacks totals weren’t high and he struggled against the run, he had the versatility to play inside in a 4-3 defense or defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. This flexibility to play different positions made him an appealing choice for a Jaguars team in need of playmakers.

Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus gave the Jags a B- for the signing, noting that Odrick should be able to give their pass rush a boost.

Odrick had a solid first year with the Jaguars, making 16 starts and registering 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble. However, he was a non-factor for much of the 2016 season and was placed on the Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. He was released in 2017 and never played a snap in the NFL once again.