Even though defensive tackle appeared to be a weakness for the Jacksonville Jaguars early in the offseason, they didn't make a splash to address the position. They instead opted to trade for Ruke Orhorhoro one week before the 2026 NFL Draft and later used a third-round selection on Albert Regis.
Both Ohorhoro and Regis have flashed throughout training camp, so it's fair to say that the Jags expect them to contribute next season. Having said that, there may be another reason why the Jaguars didn't make further additions to the interior defensive line: Matt Dickerson could be their x-factor in the trenches.
The Jaguars see Matt Dickerson as a huge piece of the D-line puzzle
The Jaguars already dropped two unofficial depth charts. Both of them list Matt Dickerson ahead of Ruke Orhoroho and behind Arik Armstead. At first sight, this was a bit surprising because the veteran defensive lineman didn't seem like a lock to make the 53-man roster. However, the team's brass is high on him.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports sees Dickerson as a starter who can play nose and defensive tackle. Similarly, Brent Martineau of Action News Jax noted the Jags showed how much they value him when he didn't suit up for the preseason.
Two more thoughts from Jags game.
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) August 16, 2026
It says a hell of a lot that Matt Dickerson didn't even dress for that game - that's how much they value him.
I think Ruke Orhorhoro was really good. Penetration on some plays and collapsed the offensive line on a third and short run play early.
Dickerson is entering his second season in Duval. He landed on the Jaguars practice squad after the Miami Dolphins gave him his walking papers on cutdown day. The former UCLA Bruin was eventually signed to the active roster and finished the year with 10 total tackles in eight games with four starts.
Early in 2026, Dickerson got a new one-year deal worth $1.45 million to stick around in Jacksonville. After the arrival of Albert Regis and Ruke Orhorhoro, he seemed like a long shot to make the roster, but it now looks like he has a favorable chance.
Aside from Jacksonville and the Dolphins, Dickerson has also played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Tennessee Titans. He's appeared in 48 games with four starts dating back to 2018.
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Matt Dickerson will have an impact on how the Jaguars will build the 53-man roster
It's hard to see the Jaguars moving on from Albert Regis or Ruke Ohorhoro. If they keep Matt Dickerson, they'll probably keep five defensive tackles next season, including DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead.
But keeping five defensive tackles means they'll have to go thin at other positions, probably linebacker. Foyesade Oluokun, Branson Combs, Ventrell Miller, and Dennis Gardeck appear to be locks. That would leave just a spot up for grabs, and either Yasir Abdullah or Jahlani Tavai could get it if Jack Kiser doesn't get the nod.
Another option for he Jaguars may be to devote one fewer slot on offensive if they keep Dickerson. Running back or tight end would be the positions that could be affected.
Either way, the Jaguas seemingly like Matt Dickerson a lot, but keeping him could present a good problem when trimming down the roster.
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