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
Mitch Morse, center
2-years, $10.5 M
This was a good year to sign a center in free agency. The Jaguars went with Mitch Morse, who previously played for head coach Doug Pederson when he was the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.
Morse spent four years with the Chiefs before signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He says his familiarity with Pederson played a role in choosing Jacksonville. The former Mizzou Tiger gave up just one sack last year. He will most likely be the Day 1 starter at center, replacing incumbent Luke Farrell.
By signing Morse, the Jaguars address their biggest need in the offensive trenches. Moreover, his presence gives them the flexibility to acquire a young center and develop behind him this year or next.
Grade: A
Gabe Davis, wide receiver
3-year, $39 M
The Jaguars got a deep threat in Gabe Davis and they didn't have to break the bank. While Calvin Ridley left and there's still a chance Zay Jones will be a cap casualty in 2024, Davis' ability to get Christian Kirk and Evan Engram operate in the middle of the field. His career average of 16.7 yards per catch should have Trevor Lawrence salivating about his big-play capability.
That said, Davis has never had more than 600 yards in a season, so expectations should be tempered. He isn't a WR1 but could be an important piece of the Jaguar's offensive puzzle. It will be up to offensive coordinator Press Taylor to get the most out of Davis' skill set.
Grade: B
Ezra Cleveland, offensive guard
3-year, $24 M
The first big move the Jags made in free agency, signing Ezra Cleveland to a three-year deal gives them at last the stability they lacked at left guard last year. Cleveland arrived via trade but injuries prevented him from hitting his stride.
Prior to joining the Jags, Cleveland had made 49 starts for the Minnesota Vikings. In Jacksonville, he reunited with Phil Rauscher, his position coach in Minnesota. It's fair to assume that a full offseason and a clean bill of health will help him perform much better in 2024.
Grade: B
Daniel Thomas, safety/special teams
2-year deal, $4 M
Daniel Thomas, a fifth-round pick in 2020, flashed potential as a rookie before an arm injury cut his season short. He has not started a game since 2022 but has become an important contributor on special teams.
With Darnell Savage, Andre Cisco, and Andrew Wingard in the mix, don't expect Thomas to get much playing time on defense. That said, he provides invaluable depth on special teams.
Grade B
Jeremiah Ledbetter, defensive end
1-year, $1.7 M
Defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter joined the Jags in 2022. He landed in the practice squad to start the season but was eventually promoted to the active roster. With DaVon Hamilton missing time, he turned into a key piece in their defensive line rotation, playing at least 10 snaps every game.
There's no guarantee Ledbetter will be on the roster come Week 1 but signing him gives them insurance if sophomore Tyler Lacy fails to take a step forward in Year 2.
Grade: B-
Darnell Savage, safety
3-year, $21.5 M
Signing Darnell Savage raised a few eyebrows. It's not that he's a bad player. Rather, safety wasn't a pressing need for the Jags. Having just released Rayshawn Jenkins, they could've easily plugged Antonio Johnson in next to Andre Cisco in 2024.
Savage isn't great at defending the run but he excels in coverage. While the Jags didn't have to overspend to acquire him, they could've addressed other needs with the money they spent on him.
Grade: C
Blake Hance, OL
1-year, undisclosed
Injuries exposed the Jaguars' depth on the offensive line, forcing Blake Hance to take on the football field. He wasn't particularly great but that's to be expected from a third-string player. That said, he fared well enough to convince the team's brass to bring him back.
Hance will likely need to compete for a roster spot, but he gives Jacksonville a solid alternative in case they fail to add an offensive lineman in the draft or sophomore Cooper Hodges fails to develop.
Grade B
Ronald Darby, cornerback
2-year, $10.5 M
The Jaguars created a void at cornerback when they released Darious Williams. While the Jacksonville native played at a Pro Bowl-caliber level last year, the front office couldn't pass up the chance to create $11 million in space. Fortunately, they quickly found a solid replacement in Ronald Darby.
Darby will make the next two years as much as Williams was set to make in 2024. Leaving aside that he's cheaper, he has the versatility to play inside or outside, so he could start opposite Tyson Campbell in Week 1.
When discussing his reasons for signing with the Jags, Darby cited his familiarity with Doug Pederson, having played three years for him with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Grade: B
D'Ernest Johnson, running back
1-year, undisclosed
The Jaguars are bringing back D'Ernest Johnson after signing him last year. He made JaMycal Hasty expendable and got ahead of Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. While he averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry, that was mostly the result of running behind an offensive line that couldn't open holes.
Johnson gives the Jaguars a dependable backup who can get a few carries while contributing on special teams.
Grade B
Arik Armstead, defensive end
3-year, $51 M
The Jaguars were having a good free agency before they lost Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans. Instead of feeling self-pity, they quickly moved on and set their sights on defensive end Arik Armstead, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers in a cap-saving move.
Armstead is a massive upgrade on the interior line. Besides being great at stopping the run, he excels at bringing the heat from inside. His presence will allow Josh Allen and Travon Walker to get more favorable matchups in 2024. Armstead is without a doubt, the best defensive tackle Jacksonville has had in several years.