Instead of making a splash in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars opted for a deliberate approach, mostly focusing on re-signing their own players. While they could've used talent at key positions, they avoided overpaying for good but not elite players. Moreover, their dearth of signings allowed them to put their cap in order and gain a handful of draft picks.
Of course, the Jags could afford to sit out free agency because they're coming off an AFC South title. Moreover, they have a promising core in place. The same cannot be said about their divisional foes.
Both the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans failed to make the playoffs. The former suffered a late-season collapse, while the latter ousted head coach Brian Callahan after failing to steer the ship in the right direction. And in desperate need to keep up in the AFC South race, these two teams spent more money than they should have in free agency. This is why it's not surprising to see them land on a list of the worst free-agent signings (with multiple entries).
The Jaguars watched the Titans and Colts make the list of worst signings in free agency
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report drew up a list of the 10 worst free-agent signings. Indy and the Titans appeared twice on the list. The Colts made the cut for re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
With Jones behind center, Indianapolis got off to a strong start to the season, but it all came to a screeching halt when he tore his Achilles. The 2019 first-round pick is still recovering from the injury but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Nevertheless, giving him a two-year deal worth $88 million might've been too much for a quarterback who hasn't been consistent enough throughout his career.
For his part, Pierce made the list because the Colts needed to bring back Jones' most trusted target. Moreover, he's led the NFL in yards per reception, but his four-year, $114 million contract pays him top-10 money when in reality he's more of a WR2.
Meanwhile, the Titans got a spot on the list after inking wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson and cornerback Alontae Taylor. Although sophomore quarterback Cam Ward definitely needed more weapons, and Robinson is a fine receiver, his production with the New York Giants doesn't match the four-year, $70 million deal he got from Tennessee. The same is true for Taylor, who is a fine starter but whose three-year, $20 million deal pays him like an elite corner.
The Jaguars avoided overspending in free agency
The new Jaguars regime is aware that spending big in free agency doesn't translate into wins in the regular season. Granted, this kind of strategy may be dull, but it will allow them to re-sign their own players. Already, they locked up Travon Walker. Wide receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange, and even safety Antonio Johnson are next.
It's also worth noting that the Jags could still make a few signings, but they're mainly focused on addressing the larger scale roster in the NFL Draft. If they still have roster voids afterwards, expect them to bring in veteran free agents. Last year, they inked linebacker Dennis Gardeck, wide receiver Trenton Irwin, and pass rushers Emmanuel Ogbah and Dawuane Smoot. Similarly, they traded for wide receiver Tim Patrick and Jakobi Meyers.
Simply put, the Jaguars know this isn't a sprint but a marathon, and their conservative approach to free agency should give them an edge over both the Colts and Tennessee, even after their spending spree in free agency.
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