Jaguars check off 2 key boxes with the addition of versatile QB to the practice squad

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a pair of talented quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones. However, the team's brass wanted to protect themselves in case either one missed time in 2024. For a brief moment, it looked like E.J. Perry was going to provide insurance at the position, but the Jags are instead rolling with John Rhys Plumlee and his massive upside.

The Jags announced they released Perry just days after signing him to their practice squad. They inked him not long after veteran C.J. Beathard suffered a groin injury in the preseason that will sideline him for several weeks. The Brown product saw preseason action and was waived when the front office reduced the roster to 53-man players. He had spent time in the Jacksonville practice squad the past two seasons.

Moving on from Perry paved the way for the team to sign Rhys Plumlee, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted earlier this year. The UFC product made a strong impression throughout training camp and even earned a comparison to New Orleans Saints Swiss Army Knife Tysom Hill because he showcased the ability to play quarterback, wide receiver, and return specialist.

A Mississippi native, Rhys Plumlee appeared in 52 games for the Knights, completing 464 passes for 5,838 yards with 34 touchdowns. On top of that, he toted the rock 453 times for 2,556 yards with 28 touchdowns.

But as much upside as Rhys Plumlee showed in training camp, he was facing an uphill battle to make the Steelers roster. After all, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson were their top three quarterbacks and Pittsburgh probably wanted a more traditional quarterback behind the two. That's why they went with Kyle Allen.

Maybe if the Steelers had given Rhys Plumlee more playing time at quarterback, he would've gotten the nod over Allen. Either way, he's now with the Jags and he gives them an intriguing development prospect.

John Rhys Plumlee gives the Jaguars the perfect developmental QB

It's easy to see why the Jacksonville Jaguars originally signed E.J. Perry to their practice squad. The Andover, Massachusetts native gave them a proven commodity that could step in if the injury bug struck. Having spent the past two seasons, along with a brief stint with the Houston Texans in between, he knew the offense, so he would be ready to go. That said, the top brass might believe John Rhys Plumlee has a higher ceiling.

It's possible that Perry has already reached his potential, so it would make sense for the Jaguars to explore other options at quarterback. Rhys Plumlee certainly gives them one. On top of that, he could develop into an asset on special teams.

Following cutdown day, general manager Trent Baalke told the local media that the more a player can do, the more flexible Jacksonville could be when putting together the roster. Rhys Plumlee certainly possesses that versatility. Moreover, the Jags have put a strong emphasis on special teams, having also added ace gunner Matthew Jackson and international rugby star and Swiss Army Knife Louis Rees-Zammit to the practice squad.

Now, there's no guarantee Rhys Plumlee will develop into a viable No. 3 quarterback or that he contribute on special teams. Having said that, the Jacksonville Jaguars thought that his upside was worth taking a flyer on. It will be up to him to make the most of his latest chance.

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