New Jaguars signing turned heads at minicamp (and brought unexpected benefit)

The decision to sign wide receiver Dyami Brown in free agency raised eyebrows because he was a non-factor early in his NFL career and didn't break out until late in 2024. However, he's been everything the Jacksonville Jaguars bargained for and then some. Aside from having a strong offseason, his addition to the wide receiver corps has had an unexpected benefit off the field.

Brown was a standout at Organized Team Activities, and his strong performance carried over into mandatory minicamp. But on top of that, Juston W. Lewis of The Florida Times-Union argues that he'll be the tone setter in a wide receiver room that includes Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington.

"Brown knows exactly what his role is on the Jaguars," Lewis wrote. "In a receiver room that features third-year pass catcher Parker Washington, second-year standout Thomas, and rookie Travis Hunter, Brown is going to be a tone setter."

In a wide receiver room that's stacked with talent but lacks experience, Brown will be the elder. He's entering his fifth year in the NFL while Thomas is coming off his first campaign. Washington has three years of experience, and Hunter has yet to play a snap in the pros.

Brown is fully aware of his role as the mentor of the group and is embracing it. Back at minicamp, he had an exchange with Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax and stated that he doesn't feel the need to help his younger teammates, pointing out that it's his obligation.

"I wouldn't even say feel like. I think that's mandatory because at the end of the day, we have a standard that we have, and we want to set the standard early," Brown responded when asked if he feels like he needs to help Hunter and the younger receivers (1:08 mark). "And for me to help them along the way because I've been here for a little while, and I know the ins and outs, and I've been on the back end before."

Brown continued, "And I just want to keep them uplifted and kind of help them understand as well, so I think there's not a feel like. I have to do it, it's mandatory."

A third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2021, Brown was a non-factor in his first three NFL seasons and only blossomed late in 2024. Aside from posting a career bests for catches and receiving yards, he hauled in 14 receptions for 229 yards and one touchdown in three playoff games.

So far, Brown's been able to build off of his strong finish to 2024, and could end up starting opposite Brian Thomas Jr. in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Dyami Brown is having a massive impact on the Jaguars on and off the field

The Jacksonville Jaguars should be thrilled that Dyami Brown is taking on a leadership role. As he noted, he's been on the back end before. He surely learned lots of pointers and how to be a pro from the likes of Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel (2021-2023) during his four-year tenure with the Washington Commanders.

And precisely because Brown has shared the field and the classroom with McLaurin, he could share a thing or two with teammates Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington.

The bottom line is that Dyami Brown is already making an impact with the Jaguars, and if he consistently plays like he did late in 2024, he'll once again post career numbers and cash in next year when he becomes a free agent.

Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like: