In his first season as their general manager, James Gladstone made several moves that propelled the Jacksonville Jaguars to the playoffs and a 13-4 record. For instance, the Jakobi Meyers trade turned out to be huge, as the veteran wideout gave Trevor Lawrence a sure-handed target in the middle of the field. Similarly, Robert Hainsey brought much-needed stability at center after signing with the Jags in free agency. That said, not every move the front office made in 2025 panned out.
No NFL exec hits a thousand, and Gladstone was no different. He had his fair share of blunders in 2025. Some hurt a bit more than others, and one of his most questionable moves just got the spotlight on a list Pro Football Focus put together.
Patrick Mekari was just dubbed the Jaguars' worst free-agent signing of 2025
Bradley Locker of PFF talked about every NFL team's worst free agent signing in 2025 and chose Patrick Mekari for the Jaguars, noting that the former California Golden Bear didn't grade well in several meaningful categories. Here's the skinny.
"New general manager James Gladstone attempted to stabilize the team's interior offensive line by adding Mekari, but the versatile veteran wasn't great in 2025," Locker wrote. "The former Raven recorded a career-low 51.8 overall PFF grade, and his 6.4% pressure rate given up tied for the eighth-highest among qualified guards. There's still time for Mekari to turn things around, but he didn't play equivalent to his $37.5 million deal."
An undrafted free agent in 2019, Mekari landed with the Baltimore Ravens. With them, he showed significant versatility up front, playing all positions but center until he settled at left guard in 2024. That position flexibility is precisely what made the Westlake Village, California native a hot commodity in free agency last year. The Jaguars, for one, were intrigued, as he was the most expensive player they signed. Unfortunately, his on-field performance left a bit to be desired.
While Mekari only allowed two sacks, he gave up a career-worst 34 sacks. Some of that may have had to do with the fact that he was playing right guard for the first time in his career. It's fair to assume that last year's experience will help him perform much better in 2026. If it doesn't, he'll most definitely give Jacksonville a reason for concern.
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The Jaguars need Patrick Mekari to put it all together in 2026
As noted before, Patrick Mekari wasn't outright dreadful, but he wasn't great either. The Jaguars will need more from him, especially when you take into account that he's one of their highest-paid offensive lineman. If the eighth-year veteran turns things around, his first season in Jacksonville will no longer be discussed. But if he struggles, the team's brass will need to find a short and long-term answer at right guard.
When Mekari missed three games late in the season, left tackle Walker Little moved to right guard but left much to be desired. In case he falters in 2026, Jacksonville could plug in Wyatt Milum or Jonah Monheim. Handyman offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen could have been another option but just got a raise and will tentatively serve as Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector moving forward.
On the other hand, Chuma Edoga played poorly when called upon, so he may not be a feasible solution. Heck, he could get the axe in the offseason. Perhaps Jacksonville could add an offensive lineman in the draft as insurance. Then again, cornerback and defensive tackle may be bigger needs.
Of course, the Jags won't have to worry about the prospect of replacing Patrick Mekari if he shows out. They signed him with the expectation of becoming a pillar in the offensive trenches. He didn't pull it off last year but will get another chance in 2026.