The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't in particular need of help at linebacker but couldn't pass up the chance to add reinforcements at the position following their Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports that the Jags are signing linebacker Jamal Hill after he cleared waivers. The Texans just released him to free up a roster spot for wide receiver Tank Dell, who's close to playing for the first time since he suffered a devastating knee injury as a rookie in 2024.
Circling back to Hill, he'll get to hone his craft in the Jacksonville practice squad but nobody would bat an eye if he ends up earning a spot on the 53-man roster at some point of the season.
Why the Jaguars signed Jamal Hill to the practice squad after his Texans release
The Jaguars have a well-rounded linebacker corps. Ventrell Miller and Foyesade Oluokun are firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart. Branson Combs is the primary backup. Dennis Gardeck and Jalen McLeod are also in the mix but often leave the field on nickel packages to pave the way for a third corner.
Jacksonville wasn't in immediate need of help at linebacker, but signing Jamal Hill makes sense when you take into account that the Atlanta Falcons claimed sophomore Jack Kiser off waivers.
If the Jags suffer an injury at linebacker, they could easily promote Hill to the active roster or outright sign him. On top of that, you can bet that they liked his production and potential upside.
A sixth-round pick of Houston in 2024, Hill had spent his whole NFL career with the Texans. He mostly saw playing time on special teams, and that's where he could potentially contribute in Jacksonville.
Hill was a surprise roster snub on cutdown day but landed on the Houston practice squad once he cleared waivers. The former Oregon Duck was then signed to the active roster when fellow linebacker Henry To'oto'o suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to miss time.
With To'oto'o and Tank Dell back in the fold, the Texans no longer had room for Hill, who'll get a fresh start with the Jaguars.
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Jamal Hill may have an uphill battle to play for the Jaguars (but it's not impossible)
It's hard to see Jamal Hill have a roster surge. Best-case scenario, he'll sign a reserve/future contract after 2026 and compete for a roster spot next offseason. Other players have had a similar path with the Jaguars the past two years.
Running back Ameer Abdullah signed with the Jags in the offseason and ended up making the 53-man roster. He's since carved out a niche as a returner and as a third-down back. Safety Kaevon Merriweather landed on the practice squad when the season started but eventually joined the active roster. Maybe Hill could follow in their footsteps.
The one thing about these Jaguars is that they'll give everyone a fair shot to compete and make their way onto the roster. That could be the path Jamal Hill walks.
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