The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a strong start to free agency, giving cornerback Montaric Brown a three-year deal that ensured he didn't go anywhere. They then continued with linebacker Dennis Gardeck. But then, the Jags sat quietly watching other teams sign players.
Sure, the front office restructured a few contracts, but those aren't the kind of moves that will get the fanbase hyped up. This has led analysts and fans alike to wonder why Jacksonville hasn't made any moves. The answer is simple: just because general manager James Gladstone hasn't been active doesn't mean he doesn't have a plan.
PFF just called the Jaguars "losers" in free agency
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus took a look at what he thinks are the early winners and losers of free agency. He included the Jaguars in the latter category, arguing that they let Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne leave but haven't done anything to make up for their departure.
"Continuing with the theme, the Jaguars make this list due to significant losses, in the form of Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, without solidified names to step in and fill the voids," Cameron said.
There's no doubt that Etienne came through for the Jaguars in 2025, registering 1,399 yards from scrimmage and a career-best 13 total touchdowns. However, they simply didn't have the cap to match the four-year, $52 million contract the New Orleans Saints gave him. On top of that, Jacksonville has a capable replacement of the 2021 first-round pick in sophomore Bhayshul Tuten, who showed big-play capability whenever he was thrust into action.
On the other hand, from the moment the Jags declined the fifth-year option on Lloyd's rookie deal, it looked like he wasn't going to be part of the future. That he had a breakout season was an unexpected bonus, but that didn't steer Jacksonville away from the plan.
Later in his column, Cameron argues that Montaric Brown is a fine player but believes the Jaguars overpaid for him when compared to market projections.
"While re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown is positive, given his level of play this past season, the price could be considered steep compared to market projections," Cameron said.
This isn't necessarily accurate, though. Brown could've earned more if he had tested the market but chose to stay in Duval. If he had been available, the Philadelphia Eagles would've been one of several teams that would've made a bid for him.
As of this writing, the Jaguars are just one of three teams that haven't signed an external free agent. The other two are the Denver Broncos and the Seahawks are the other two.
The Jaguars have ample time to address their needs
Winning in free agency doesn't necessarily translate into success on the football field. And in the Jaguars' case, they have a talented core even after losing Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne. Sure, they need to address the interior defensive line and the pass rush, but plenty of options remain available to take care of both.
Moreover, the Jaguars have four picks on Day 2 of the draft (one in the second round and three in the third). This is a long-winded way to say that they have a strategy, and they won't deviate from it. Sure, they could make a splash move and try to trade for pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but they could also wait until the draft to find a No. 3 to round out the rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
Sure, it may be a boring strategy, but the Jaguars can afford to wait and watch other teams overpay in free agency, while they make calculated moves to address the larger scale roster.