After being pushed around at the line of scrimmage throughout most of the 2024 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars made it a priority to beef up the offensive trenches this offseason. While they're not going to the top names in free agency, they're getting help up front with the signing of Chuma Edoga.
Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that the Jaguars reached an agreement with Edoga. Michael DiRocco later added that it's a two-year deal. The former USC Trojan has made 23 starts and has suited up for the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets, and the Atlanta Falcons.
A third-round pick in 2019, Edoga played 226 offensive snaps last year and gave up two sacks and seven total pressures. He's mostly lined up at offensive tackle throughout his NFL career but has also played guard. It's fair to say that the Jaguars didn't bring him to start but rather to add competition and depth to the offensive line.
Expected to pursue Will Fries, or Drew Dalman, two of the top interior linemen in free agency, the Jaguars have instead targeted players whose production doesn't pop off the statsheet but have upside. Edoga fits the bill.
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
How can Chuma Edoga help the Jaguars in 2025?
Chuma Edoga is the second offensive lineman the Jaguars have signed in free agency. The first one was Patrick Mekari. The difference is that unlike Mekari, who is projected to start, Edoga will provide depth.
Now, signing Chuma Edoga won't get fans hyped up. He struggled during his stint with the New York Jets and was a bit better when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. That said, a toe injury held him back throughout most of the 2024 season. In fact, it wasn't until Week 10 that he made his debut.
So what should be expected from Edoga in Jacksonville? The Jaguars are in need of two interior offensive linemen — probably one less after signing Mekari — but could also use depth. While they re-signed offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen, Blake Hance hit the open market.
Luke Fortner and Cooper Hodges are in the mix but need to be pushed. The former was the main backup at center last year after struggling mightly in 2023. The latter has shown promise but dealt with injuries in a back-to-back year, so the Jags can't expect much from him. That's where Edoga comes in.
The former Cowboy could push Hodges or even sophomore Javon Foster, who was unremarkable as a rookie. Either way, the offensive line will benefit from competition. Heck, don't be surprised if Edoga pushes for one of the top backup jobs or even a starting spot.
The truth is that the Chuma Edoga signing isn't inspiring, but the Jacksonville Jaguars know that they're several pieces away from competing. So instead of adding a big one, they're bringing in a a few that lack star power but could still make an impact in 2025.