Grading every Jaguars signing from the first wave of free agency

The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't interested in making splash signings in free agency. Instead, they looked for ways to improve the roster without having to break the bank. The end result might not have been flashy, but the Jags still managed to come away with a promising haul.

Bill Barnwell of ESPN wasn't particularly impressed with the Jaguars' strategy in free agency, noting that they were quite active early in free agency but many of the signings made sense. However, new general manager James Gladstone has stated several times that they will mainly be building through the draft and will only use free agency to add complementary pieces.

This begs the question, how good was the Jaguars' free-agent class? With that in mind, here's a grade for each signing.

Jourdan Lewis, cornerback:

3 years, $30 million with ·$20 million guaranteed

The Jaguars got cornerback help in free agency but in the way they were expected. Needing to find a starter in the boundaries opposite Tyson Campbell, they instead locked up Jourdan Lewis, who mainly lines up in the slot.

You could make the case that signing Lewis was an unnecessary luxury due to the presence of Jarrian Jones. However, the former Dallas Cowboys can also play outside, so he gives the coaching staff ample flexibility. Moreover, he's one of the best nickels in the NFL, and any time you can get a quality starter, you should.

Lewis' Pro Football Focus coverage of 79.0 last year ranked eighth among cornerbacks in the NFL. Similarly, he was ninth by coverage EPA.

Grade: B

Patrick Mekari, offensive lineman

3 years, $37.5 M with $22.5 M guaranteed

You could argue that Patrick Mekari was the crown jewel of the Jags' 2025 free-agent class. Throughout his stint with the Baltimore Ravens, he showcased the versatility to play anywhere at the line of scrimmage but found his home at left guard last year.

In Jacksonville, though, Mekari will replace Brandon Scherff, who walked in free agency, at right guard. Switching sides is no walk in the part, but if anyone can pull it off, it's the former California Golden Bear.

Last year, Mekari posted a pass-blocking win rate of 95 percent, good for 18th among interior offensive linemen. Similarly, his blown run-block percentage of 1.3 ranked seventh among left guards. Given his flexibility to play all positions, his success should carry over to the right side.

Grade: A

Dyami Brown, wide receiver

1 year, $10 million

The Jaguars knew they needed to upgrade Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons, but instead of selling the farm, they added one piece that could improve the whole wide receiver corps. Last year, the front office signed Gabe Davis to a three-year deal worth $39 million. It's an understatement to say that he was a disappointment, and Jacksonville might've moved on from him if it hadn't been cost-prohibitive.

With Davis still around, the Jags chose to bring in Dyami Brown, a speedster who showed big-play capability with the Washington Commanders. His 59 catches for 784 yards with four touchdowns in four years aren't particularly surprising, but he played a vital role in the Commanders' playoff run.

Brown can stretch the field and should have no trouble taking away playing time from Davis. The only thing that isn't great about him is that his $10 million price tag might've been a bit steep. Other than that, the North Carolina product was a solid acquisition.

Grade: C

Eric Murray, safety

3 years, $21 million

The Jaguars needed safety help after letting Andre Cisco walk in free agency. Expected to make a run for Jevon Holland, they instead went after Eric Murray. The move raised eyebrows, as Murray isn't nearly as talented as Holland and is a bit older. That said, the Jags got him for nearly half the price they would've had to pay for Holland.

Murray's production doesn't pop off the stat sheet — three interceptions, 24 passes defensed in nine seasons — but he'll bring stability at safety, something the Jags missed in 2024. On top of that, his presence allows the Jags to address more immediate needs but also gives them the flexibility to add another safety in the draft.

Grade: C

Nick Mullens, quarterback

2 years, $6.5 million

The backup quarterback position is the second-most important on a football team. After all, he's just one injury away from stepping onto the field. With Mac Jones leaving in free agency, they brought in Nick Mullens, who played for offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.

While Mullens is far from a starting-caliber quarterback, he proved with the Minnesota Vikings that he can hold the fort if needed. That should be enough in case Trevor Lawrence misses time in 2024, which is a possibility when you take into account that he's dealt with injuries each of the past two years.

Grade: C+

Chuma Edoga, offensive lineman

2 years, $7 million with $3.2 million guaranteed

The Jaguars checked off a massive box in free agency when they beefed up the offensive trenches. Aside from locking up a couple starters, they got a depth piece in Chuma Edoga.

Granted, Edoga is coming off an underwhelming stint with the Dallas Cowboys, but he'll get a fresh start in Jacksonville. Add the fact that he's healthy, and he'll have a legitimate chance to either become the team's swing tackle or the top reserve on the interior offensive line.

Grade: C

Johnny Mundt, tight end

2 years, $5.5 million

At first sight, the Johnny Mundt signing doesn't inspire confidence. After all, he's only hauled in 65 career receptions since 2017. However, it wasn't until 2022, when he joined the Minnesota Vikings, that he truly hit his stride.

With the VIkes, Mundt caught 55 passes for 454 yards with four touchdowns. Moreover, he's a heck of a blocker, which is what the Jaguars need from their primary backup at tight end.

Grade: B

Hunter Long, tight end

2 years, $5 million

The Jaguars needed three tight ends after releasing Evan Engram and letting Luke Farrell and Josh Deguara walk in free agency. Aside from Johnny Mundt, they brought in Hunter Long.

Like Mundt, Long played for offensive coordinator Grant Udinski in Minnesota, so there's some degree of familiarity. You could make the case that Mundt and Long represent a downgrade, but the truth is that the Jaguars are confident that Brenton Strange will thrive, so they didn't truly need to add another prominent tight end but rather add depth at the position.

Grade: C-

Robert Hainsey, center

3 years, $21 million

The Jaguars found themselves with a need at center when Mitch Morse announced his retirement. While they could've gone after Drew Dalman in free agency, they chose instead to roll with Robert Hainsey, a capable starter who followed head coach Liam Coen to the Jaguars.

A third-round pick in 2021, Hainsay started 34 games for the Tampa Buccanneers in his first three NFL seasons but moved to a reserve role last year. While his demotion could be a reason for concern, the truth is that the Bucs sidelined him to make room for Graham Barton.

Throughout his career, Hainsay has excelled as a run blocker, so he should give the Jaguars running game an immediate boost.

Grade: B+

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