Grading all Jaguars moves, including the Arik Armstead signing, in free agency

After failing to make the playoffs in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars knew they had to make considerable changes if they wanted to bounce back next season. First, they revamped their coaching staff, and they're now focused on improving the roster in free agency.

Instead of waiting until the draft, the Jags have addressed several needs in free agency, and it's fair to say that the roster looks in much better shape than it did at the end of the 2023 season. With that in mind, here's a look at all the trades the Jags have made ahead and during free agency.

The Jaguars traded a 6th round pick for Mac Jones

2024 salary: $2.7 M

The Jags had a backup quarterback in C.J. Beathard but they couldn't pass up the chance to bring in a potential upgrade. Mac Jones, a first-round pick in the 2021 draft, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but regressed when the past two years. In Jacksonville, he'll have a chance to rebuild his stock and hit free agency in 2024.

Beathard won a game in relief of Trevor Lawrence last year but the coaching staff might not have had much faith in him. Otherwise, they would've rolled with him instead of letting Lawrence play through injuries.

Jones will probably have to compete with Beathard for the backup job but he should have no trouble coming out on top. When you consider that the Jaguars only gave up a sixth-round pick to get him, the move looks pretty good.

Grade: B+

Devin Duvernay, return specialist

2-year, $8.5 M

The Jaguars signed return specialist Jamal Agnew in 2021 in an effort to bolster their special teams. He became a free agent this year and the team's brass replaced him with Devin Duvernay. Agnew gave the Jags' return game a spark but Duvernay is much better and younger.

Duvernay only got four receptions for 13 yards in 2023 but he totaled 80 catches the two seasons before. He may or may not get playing time on offense but he should give the return game a boost.

Grade: A