The Jacksonville Jaguars brought back all their starting offensive linemen from 2025. However, a couple of them may need to fight for their jobs. One of them is right guard Patrick Mekari, who failed to live up to expectations in his first season in Duval.
An undrafted free agent in 2018, Mekari played seven seasons for the Baltimore Ravens before signing a three-year deal worth $37.5 million with Jacksonville in 2025. Although he could line up virtually anywhere across the line of scrimmage, the Jags plugged him in at right guard to replace Brandon Scherff.
Mekari was never able to hit his stride with Jacksonville. It didn't help that he dealt with injuries throughout the season. But regardless of the reason for his struggles, the former California Golden Bear will need to bounce back if he doesn't want to risk losing his job.
Why did Patrick Mekari underperformed for the Jaguars
Patrick Mekari played multiple positions with the Ravens, but never held one full-time until he settled at left guard in 2024. The expectation was that the switch to the right side in Jacksonville wouldn't be much of an issue, but it was.
The Westlake, California native only gave up two sacks but surrendered 34 total pressures. On top of that, he struggled as a run blocker, posting an underwhelming Pro Football Focus grade of 52.9.
Perhaps Mekari can bounce back with another season in the Jacksonville system. Staying healthy will also be huge. However, he may also need to fend off a couple of young offensive linemen.
Patrick Makari could face competition to start for the Jaguars in 2026
Patrick Mekari went from undrafted free agent to a starting offensive lineman, so he knows a thing or two about exceeding expectations. On the other hand, the Jaguars have a couple of hog mollies who don't have nearly as much experience but might have bigger upside.
The team's brass used a third-round pick on Wyatt Milum last year. A left tackle in college, the former West Virginia Mountaineer has seemingly settled at guard with the Jags. He flashed in training camp, but a knee injury held him out and hindered his development. He's now healthy and could challenge Mekari for his starting job. The same is true for rookie Emmanuel Pregnon.
Expected to go early in the second round, Pregnon slid to Round 3. The Jags were praised for nabbing him at No. 88, and he's looked the part in the offseason program. If the former Oregon Duck can make a strong impression once the pads go on, he could put Makari on notice.
If Mekari were to tumble down the depth chart, he would still be a valuable depth piece. That said, his future in Duval could be in question beyond 2026. He's set to count $18.1 million against the cap next year, but releasing him would free up $13 million with $5 million in dead money. If he struggles, cutting ties with him would be the best course of action.
The good news is that Patrick Mekari has ample time to steer the ship in the right direction. But the margin for error is slim with Emmanuel Pregnon and Wyatt Milum lurking around.
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