After a busy start of the legal tampering period, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't make any further additions in free agency. At least that was the case until they signed former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Fred Johnson.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Jags reached a one-year deal with Johnson, via his agent Drew Rosenhaus. This marks the first signings they've made in the second wave of free agency.
Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted in 2019. He made their 53-man roster but was waived midseason. The former Florida Gator then bolted for the Cincinnati Bengals and spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Eagles' practice squad in 2022.
It was in Philly that Johnson hit his stride, appearing in 17 games with six starts the past two years. He saw the most action in 2024, when he played a career-high 497 offensive snaps. Unfortunately, it didn't go great, as he gave up eight sacks and 38 total pressures.
In Jacksonville, Johnson will need to compete for a roster spot. But as underwhelming as he was, his acquisition could be a sign of an overhaul on the offensive line.
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Adding Fred Johnson could be a sign the Jaguars aren't thrilled with the O-Line
Heading into free agency, addressing the interior offensive line was seen as a top priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They wasted no time revamping the unit, bringing in Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, and Chuma Edoga.
Hainsay will replace Mitch Morse at center, and Mekari will tentatively start at right guard. Meanwhile, Edoga will provide depth. With the three in the mix, the interior trenches are in much better shape than they were at this point last year. Having said that, the signing of Fred Johnson could point to further changes up front.
As noted before, Johnson will need to compete for a roster spot, He may or may not make the team, but he'll be tasked with pushing center Luke Fortner and guard Cooper Hodges, both of whom were acquired by the previous regime.
Fortner was benched after struggling in 2023 and Hodges has suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive years, so he cannot be counted on. There's also offensive tackle Javon Foster, who was underwhelming as a rookie. All three will be given a chance to compete for a roster spot, but it won't be handed to them. That's where Johnson comes in. He's far from a Pro Bowl-caliber talent but has starting experience and can compete with the three of them.
In Philadelphia, Johnson mostly lined up on the edges but also played guard early in his career. That kind of versatility will come in handy and could ultimately give him the edge on cutdown day. On the other hand, it's too early to uncork the champagne, as there's an equal chance he might not make the cut.
The bottom line is that the Fred Johnson signing isn't particularly inspiring could comes with low risk and a bit of upside.
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