Free agency hasn't officially started, and you could make the case that the Jacksonville Jaguars got noticeably better. Sure, they avoided making splash signings and instead looked for players with either upside or an affordable price tag on Day 1 of the legal tampering period.
Sure, you could make the case that the Jags could've been more aggressive. After all, they mostly focused on what you could call Tier 2 free players. Then again, teams rarely become Super Bowl contenders because they were big spenders in free agency.
Now, not all the moves Jacksonville made will pan out, but it's clear that the front office looked for ways to bolster the roster without having to break the bank. It's fair to say that it pulled it off, and with that in mind, here are the biggest winners and losers for the Jaguars in free agency.
Jaguars winner: James Gladstone, general manager
Trent Baalke went on a spending spree in 2022. It paid dividends as the Jags went on to make the playoffs and win the AFC South. On the other hand, it gave them the false illusion that they were closer to contending than they truly were. James Gladstone is avoiding the same mistake his predecessor made.
The main function of free agency is to find complementary pieces, rather than building a team. Gladstone is aware of that, so he looked for affordable, yet dependable starters and depth pieces.
You won't find the Jaguars on any list of the biggest winners in free agency, but it doesn't matter. What's important is that Gladstone put the team in a position to load up on talent in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jaguars loser: Gabe Davis, wide receiver
Gabe Davis signed a three-year deal worth $39 million with the Jags last season but failed to live up to expectations, registering a career-low 20 receptions for 239 yards with two interceptions. Granted, he suffered a season-ending injury but he was unremarkable even before he got hurt.
With Davis failing to stretch the field opposite Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville signed Dyami Brown in free agency. While Brown had a reserve role with the Washington Commanders, he routinely flashed his playmaking potential. He could compete with Davis for snaps in training camp and eventually take his starting job away.
Jaguars winner: Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby
One of the Jaguars' top priorities this offseason was beefing up the offensive trenches. While there's still ample work left, it's fair to say that the group is much better after the addition of Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey, and Chuma Edoga. Now, head coach Liam Coen should have no trouble installing his offense. That's great news for Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby.
Last year, Etienne and Bigsby already had defenders waiting for them by the time they reached the line of scrimmage because the offensive line couldn't block. That will change behind an improved offensive line, so expect the Jags to have a renewed emphasis on establishing the run.
Luke Fortner, center
Back in 2022, Luke Fortner was pegged as the heir apparent of center Brandon Linder, who called it quits that year. While he flashed as a rookie, he also showed that he needed lots of improvement to become the long-term answer at the position. But instead of making strides in 2023, the former Kentucky Wildcat regressed. In fact, he was so bad that the Jags signed Mitch Morse last offseason to "compete" with him.
Of course, Mitch was going to be the starter, and Fortner spent the 2024 season learning behind him. However, the the Jags gave Robert Heinsay a three-year deal worth $21 million doesn't bode well for Fortner chances of getting a featured role in 2025. In fact, don't be surprised if the Jags move on from him before the regular season.
Jaguars winner: Brenton Strange, tight end
The Jaguars moved on from Evan Engram just before free agency, solidifying the belief that Brenton Strange is ready for a bigger role. The Jaguars confirmed his status as the team's TE1 when they brought in Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt to bolster the depth at the position.
While Long and Mundt could be solid depth pieces, neither will take snaps away from Strange.