Jaguars updated 53-man roster after signing Arik Armstead in free agency

The Jacksonville Jaguars address several needs and bolster several position groups in free agency. While they weren't able to keep wide receiver Calvin Ridley, their roster looks in much better shape than it did at the end of the 2023 season. The fact that they didn't have to overspend, makes the Jags' free-agency haul look even better.

Among the moves the Jags made, signing defensive end Arik Armstead was probably the best of the bunch. Even though he wasn't 100 percent last year, he still managed to register five sacks and 42 total pressures.

Similarly, Armstead is a force against the run and the San Francisco 49ers struggled to stop opposing teams from pounding the football when he missed time. In Jacksonville, the former first-round pick will give their interior defensive line a massive boost.

So how does the Jaguars' roster look after free agency? Here's an unofficial depth chart. Just keep in mind that they'll keep making changes in the draft and training camp, so a handful of players won't ultimately be on the team come Week 1 of the regular season.

Jaguars offense after free agency

Quarterbacks (2) Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones

The Jags currently have three quarterbacks under contract: Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard, and Mac Jones. They just traded for Jones in exchange for a sixth-round pick. With Lawrence firmly entrenched as the starter, Jones and Beathard will compete for the backup job but the former should have the edge.

The Jags will probably keep Beathard through training camp but they have only carried two quarterbacks the past two years. Expect them to move on from Beathard at some point before the start of the season.

Tight ends (4) Luke Farrell, Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, Josh Pederson

So far, there haven't been any changes to the Jaguars' tight end room. Evan Engram is No. 1 on the depth chart and the coaching staff will give 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange a chance to beat Luke Farrell for the No. 2 job. A fifth-round pick in 2021, Farrell has developed into a reliable blocker but Strange has more upside.

Josh Pederson, son of head coach Doug Pederson, began last season in the practice squad but was eventually promoted to the active roster. Although he didn't get much playing time, he provided depth when Strange missed time. Jacksonville could still add a tight end in free agency or the draft. Either way, Pederson will need to compete for a roster spot in 2024.