Jaguars signing TE Josiah Deguara isn't good news for this player

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't done making moves in free agency. After the first and second waves came and went, they announced they've signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara. In Deguara, the Jags have a player who's played multiple roles on offense and special teams the past four years. That doesn't bode well for another tight end's chances of making the 53-man roster in 2024.

Deguara, a third-round pick in 2020, appeared in 50 games with 10 starts for the Packers, hauling in 47 receptions for 436 yards with two touchdowns. His best season came in 2022, when he caught 25 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns. Last year, he played a career-high 219 special teams snaps, 57 percent of the Packers' total.

It's also worth noting that Deguara has only appeared in 51 pass-blocking snaps throughout his career. His usage could change in Jacksonville, but based on his snap count with the Packers, the Jags may see him as a receiving tight end.

Either way, Deguara adds depth to the Jaguars' tight end room. Evan Engram is firmly entrenched as the starter, while Brenton Strange, a second-round pick last year, is expected to have a bigger role in Year 2. Also in the mix are Luke Farrell, a reliable blocker and receiver, and Josh Pederson, who began the 2023 season in the practice squad but appeared in three games throughout the year. Deguara's arrival might affect Pedreson the most.

Signing Josiah Deguara casts doubt in Jaguars TE Josh Pederson's future

The Jacksonville Jaguars made headlines when they signed Josh Pederson last year. Seen as a camp body, his addition wouldn't have made waves if he weren't head coach Doug Pederson's son. An undrafted free agent in 2021, Pederson previously spent time with the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers but had never appeared in a regular season game. He then played for the Houston Gamblers of the United States Football League before joining the Jags.

Pederson ended up appearing in three games, playing eight snaps on offense and 13 on special teams. He was elevated on game day when Brenton Strage missed time with a foot injury. After the season, the Jags signed him to a future/reserve contract. Now, Pederson will have to fend off Josiah Deguara if he wants to make the team.

Back in 2022, the Jaguars carried four tight ends into the season but only had three last year. That was mostly due to them keeping seven receivers but it wouldn't be shocking to see Jacksonville once again go with four tight ends next season. If that's the case, Deguara should have no trouble making the team.

On the other hand, there's a chance the team's brass will add a tight end in the draft. It's not a pressing need but if they find value, they won't want to pass up the chance. If they don't, Deguara will be the favorite to get the No. 4 slot. Heck, he could move ahead of Luke Farell on the depth chart. That would leave no room for Pederson, who could once again land in the practice squad. That said, it's too early to tell how the tight-end room will look in 2024.

Ultimately, signing Josiah Daguara may be nothing more than a depth move for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it's one that will foster competition in their tight end room.

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