The Jacksonville Jaguars raised eyebrows in free agency, not because they made a blockbuster signing but rather because they barely made any moves. In fact, they only locked up an external free agent, and because he wasn't tendered, he didn't count toward the team's draft compensation formula.
Looking back, you could make the case that general manager James Gladstone should've been more aggressive if he wanted the Jags to keep up in the AFC arms race. Then again, they didn't have nearly as many needs as other teams in the conference. Couple that with the fact that they had to carry over plenty of dead cap from several failed contracts the past regime made, and it was always going to be a challenge for Jacksonville to go on a spending spree this year.
Having said that, pretty much every move the Jaguars made should have an impact next season. And with this in mind, here's a grade and a bold prediction for each and every signing Gladstone made in free agency.
Chris Rodriguez, RB: 2 years, $10 M
After letting Travis Etienne walk, the Jags let the running back market cool down a bit. While they could've gone with Sean Tucker, who played for head coach Liam Coen when he was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, the team's brass rolled with another protegee of his: Chris Rodriguez.
Heading into 2025, Rodriguez was seemingly on the fringe but showed his worth once injuries pressed him into action, racking up 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries.
Back at Kentucky, Coen routinely heaped praise on Rodriguez, and now that they're reunited, the former Wildcat could have a banner season as a complementary piece behind Bhayshul Tuten.
Grade: B+ (because of the value)
Bold prediction: Chris Rodriguez will reach the end zone a career-best 8 times in 2026
Montaric Brown, CB: 3 years, $31.8 M
Of their top three pending free agents, the Jaguars prioritize re-signing Montaric Brown, and understandably so. Mostly a backup early in his career, he joined the starting lineup in 2024. The following year, the former Arkansas Razorback broke out under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, giving up a completion rate of just 54.4 percent, while tallying two interceptions and 12 passes defensed, both personal bests.
Had the Jags let Brown walk, cornerback would've become a huge need. With him in the mix, they're in good shape at the position.
Grade: A (a starting CB on a below-market deal)
Bold prediction: Brown will record 4 INTs next season, including one pick-six.
Quintin Morris, TE: 1 year, $2 M
Quintin Morris signed with the Jags after the draft. He failed to make the initial 53-man roster but landed in the practice squad. The Bowling Green product was called up to the active roster as many times as possible and made such a strong impression that he was eventually signed to the roster.
Even though you won't see Morris making the Pro Bowl anytime soon, he's carved a niche as a pass-blocker. That, along with his contributions on special teams, was enough to get him a new deal in Jacksonville. Expect him to have an uptick in playing time after Johnny Mundt got the axe.
Grade: C+
Bold prediction: Morris will have a 50+ yard reception and set a new career best for touchdowns with 3 next season.
Dennis Gardeck, LB: 2 years, $6 M
Like Quintin Morris, Dennis Gardeck signed with the Jags after the draft. Although he was still recovering from an ACL he suffered the year prior when he landed in Jacksonville, once the Sioux Falls product was back at full strength, he became a key contributor on defense.
While Gardeck isn't a top-tier linebacker, he should be able to help soften the blow of Devin Lloyd's exit. And with a full offseason to prepare, the Lake in the Hills, Illinois native should be even better in 2026.
Grade: B+
Bold prediction: Gardeck will register an interception and 5 sacks in 2026