![Jacksonville Jaguars guard Patrick Mekari (65) and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Javon Foster (62) run blocking drills during the fourth organized team activity at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Tuesday, May 27, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4521,h_2543/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k1rhkjd92j7j6wn3ma.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars guard Patrick Mekari (65) and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Javon Foster (62) run blocking drills during the fourth organized team activity at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Tuesday, May 27, 2025. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
Unlike past years, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't go into a spending spree in free agency. However, they did make a few signings that would fall in the splash category, including offensive guard Patrick Mekari. While it may be too early to truly assess his impact, the team hasn't gotten a great return on its investment.
The Jaguars let Brandon Scherff hit the open market. To replace him, they signed Mekari to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million, making him the team's top acquisition in free agency.
An undrafted free agent in 2019, Mekari signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent the last six seasons. His versatility to play all positions across the offensive line made him a compelling free agent. However, the former California Golden Bear has missed a good chunk of training camp with back spasms.
Why Patrick Mekari's absence at Jaguars camp is noteworthy
Normally, this wouldn't be a reason for concern. After all, injuries are an inherent part of football, and nothing indicates that Patrick Mekari will miss time in the regular season. Having said that, fellow free-agent acquisition Chuma Edoga has played well in his relief.
Following Day 9 of training camp, John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that Edoga has hit his stride at right guard, pointing out that the offensive trenches haven't missed a bit without Mekari.
"After spending all offseason rotating at right tackle, Edoga has seemingly settled in in Mekar's place," Shipley wrote. "While Mekari should be expected to return to his spot once he's recovered, Edoga has quietly been one of the most steady offensive linemen in camp. He was beat by Travon Walker on a stunt during team drills but otherwise was able to completely stonewall the Jaguars' interior rush throughout the day and, really, most of camp."
Back at mandatory minicamp, Edoga got reps at right tackle with the first team because Anton Harrison struggled.
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Patrick Mekari will be fine, but the Jaguars are surely hyped up about Chuma Edoga
As John Shipley reported, there's no controversy brewing at right guard. Patrick Mekari will be the starter once he's back in the fold. For the time being, it doesn't make sense to press him into action, as he would run the risk of further aggravating the injury.
Moreover, it's not the regular season yet, so there's no reason to panic just yet. On the other hand, the fact that Chuma Edoga is faring well — he was mostly a reserve in his previous stops — in his absence doesn't make the Mekari signing look great.
For comparison, Edoga got a two-year deal worth $7 million, and he's giving Jacksonville more bang for its buck. Then again, Mekari will make his signing much better once he's back on the football field. For the time being, though, the Jaguars are still waiting for a return on their (hefty) investment.