10 worst free agent signings in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history

6. Worst free agent in Jacksonville Jaguars history: Aaron Kampman, DE

The late 2000s were a confusing time to be a fan of the Jaguars. Even though they last made the playoffs in 2008, they weren’t necessarily a bad team and had several talented players in place. More than anything, they seemed like a team in transition without a clear direction.

Before what turned out to be head coach Jack Del Rio’s last full season at the helm, the Jags gave defensive end Aaron Kampman a four-year contract worth $25 million to bolster their pass rush. A two-time Pro Bowler with the Green Bay Packers, the 2002 fifth-round pick was pretty good at creating pressure up front, registering 40.5 sacks and five forced fumbles from 2006 to 2009.

The Jaguars had drafted Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in the 2008 draft with back-to-back picks to upgrade their pass rush but neither contributed much, so they thought Kampman would be an upgrade. Unfortunately, he wasn’t and instead failed to make an impact during his two-year stint in Jacksonville.

Kampman had four sacks in 2010 but that’s not the kind of production you want from a player that’s getting paid a premium. Instead of improving the following season, he got worse and was limited to just three games. Rather than bringing him back for a third season, the team’s brass cut ties with him in 2012. And like other players on this list, he didn’t play a single snap again.

If you notice, there’s been a common theme for the Jaguars, regardless of the administration. They overpay a player and get a minimal return on their investment.