PFF’s inclusion of Jaguars standout among best free-agent signings was a no-brainer

Following the 2024 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves needing to patch up several spots across the roster. On defense, in particular, they needed reinforcements at corner, so it wasn't particularly shocking to see them be linked to the likes of Byron Murphy, D.J. Reed, and Carlton Davis III ahead of free agency. In the end, though, the Jags rolled with Jourdan Lewis.

At the time, the signing was a bit baffling because Lewis had mostly played in the slot throughout his career, and Jacksonville already had Jarrian Jones in the fold. However, the former Michigan Wolverine quickly put questions to rest when he became a mainstay of the defense right off the bat. Not surprisingly, he landed on an impressive list that Pro Football Focus put together.

Jourdan Lewis was dubbed the best Jaguars free-agent signing in 2025

Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus drew up a list of the best free-agent signings for every NFL team in 2025 and picked Jourdan Lewis for the Jaguars, noting that he brought immediate stability at their defensive backfield.

"The Jaguars' defensive turnaround occurred due to success at all three levels, with Lewis spearheading an improved secondary," Locker wrote. "The ex-Cowboy earned a 69.0 PFF coverage grade before having his impressive season cut short in Week 16. Moreover, Lewis' 0.96 yards per snap was the fifth-lowest mark among qualified slot corners, proving he was well worth his $30 million pact."

Lewis ended up playing mostly in the slot, with Jarrian Jones moving to the boundaries. Right off the bat, he proved to be an upgrade, registering two interceptions and four passes defensed. Unfortunately, his first season in Jacksonville came to an abrupt end when he suffered a foot injury in the win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16.

But in spite of how the year ended, it became abundantly clear that Lewis will be an integral piece moving forward.

Related: One Jags' free-agent bust just ended his career in Jacksonville in a whimper

The Jaguars need to make upgrades at corner despite the presence of Jourdan Lewis

While general manager James Gladstone had a few duds in his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he also had plenty of hits despite the fact that he didn't break the bank in free agency. Jourdan Lewis was arguably the best of the bunch. Now, Gladstone will have to work his magic once again and make further upgrades at cornerback.

While Lewis is firmly entrenched at nickel, fellow cornerbacks Greg Newsome and Montaric Brown are scheduled to become free agents. The front office will need to replace at least one of them, and maybe both. Granted, having two-way star Travis Hunter around will soften the blow, as he can lock up one of the starting spots in the boundaries. But even with him in the mix, Jacksonville will need to add reinforcements in the offseason.

Currently, the Jaguars are $21 million over the cap, so free agency probably won't be a realistic option to bring in a cornerback. The NFL Draft will be the more likely path when you take into account that they'll have four selections on Day 2.

Adding a corner who can line up in the perimeter will be pivotal if the Jaguars want to keep Jourdan Lewis in the slot. As the adage goes, if it's not broken, there's no need to fix it, and there's no doubt that Lewis excelled in his first season in Duval.