Ever since safety Andrew Wingard joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he's become a fan favorite because of how vocal and passionate he is. However, his time in Duval could soon come to an end.
Dewey signed a three-year deal worth $9 million in 2023. He's now scheduled to become a free agent, and it's possible that the Jags won't bring him back because Antonio Johnson is coming off a breakout year, and Caleb Ransaw will be back after suffering a leg injury last season.
The good news is that Wingard will have no shortage of suitors if he's available in the open market.
Teams will target Andrew Wingard if the Jaguars let him walk in free agency
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report put together a list of overlooked free agents that NFL teams must prioritize in free agency and included Andrew Wingard, noting that he's not a top-notch safety but would be a solid starter for teams in need of help at the position. Here's the skinny.
"Wingard is more box safety than deep safety, but he's not a liability in coverage," Davenport wrote. "He posted a respectable passer rating against of 80.5 in 2025 and has a career completion percentage of less than 60. Like all the veterans on this list, Wingard isn't a star. But he's a physical safety who can hold his own against the pass who just held down the back end of the defense capably for a 13-win Jaguars team."
Later, Davenport identifies the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders as potential landing spots for Wingard.
Early in his stint with the Jags, Wingard mostly played special teams. However, he worked his way up the roster and became a full-time starter by 2021. Although No. 42 was phased out in favor of Andre Cisco the following year, he still had a prominent role on special teams and was among the most prominent leaders on the team.
Wingard was having a strong training camp in 2024 before he suffered a knee injury. He eventually returned but wasn't able to secure a starting job. Then, the new regime took over and gave him a chance to compete. The Arvada, Colorado native ended up fending off Johnson for the spot next to Eric Murray.
In 102 games with 44 starts in Jacksonville, Wingard has registered six interceptions and 22 passes defensed.
Related: The Jags flip the roster into Super Bowl mode in Fansided's 3-round mock draft
Why the Jaguars could move on from Andrew Wingard in 2026
Andrew Wingard outlasted Doug Marrone, Urban Meyer, and Doug Pederson. He's been around for all the highs and lows the Jags have dealt with, dating back to 2019. The team's brass surely appreciates his contributions, but his time in Jacksonville could soon come to an end.
Nobody will deny that Wingard has exceeded expectations, but he's also reached his ceiling. He's a solid starter, but not much else. Fellow safety Antonio Johnson played better than him, and sophomore Caleb Ransaw has more upside. With Rayuan Layne also in the mix, Wingard could be a victim of the numbers game.
Sure, the Jags could Wingard back as a backup, but he could get better offers and the chance to start if he hits the open market. Currently, Spotrac values him at $5.9 million per year. Simply, this may be the time for both parties to move on.
The Jaguars have been trying to increase the roster floor since James Gladstone became the general manager. And by letting Andrew Wingard walk, they'll be able to make upgrades at the safety position.