Patrick Murtagh could make Jaguars' 53-man roster (but not for reasons you'd expect)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are stacked at tight end, so Patrick Murtagh will likely have a steep hill to climb if he wants to earn a roster spot in 2024. That said, there's a way the native Australian could ultimately make the team.

A clip of Murtagh handling kickoffs in practice is making the rounds in training camp. It could be something or nothing but it could earn a roster spot by showing he can contribute on special teams.

The NFL changed their kickoff rules to resemble the XFL model, which incentivizes returns. It will now allow 12 players to take the field during that play. The Kansas City Chiefs are already considering using non-kickers for kickoffs. The Jaguars and other teams could most definitely give it a thought. If that's the case, having someone else to handle kickoffs besides the kicker on the roster could come in handy.

Murtagh joined the NFL through their International Player Pathway in 2023. He was allocated to the Detroit Lions but left due to an undisclosed medical issue. He signed with the Jags this past May and has spent the offseason with them.

At this stage of training camp, Murtagh is probably at the bottom of the depth chart. Evan Engram is firmly entrenched as the starter and sophomore Brenton Strange will make a push to seize the top backup role. Fourth-year pro Luke Farrell, and Josiah Deguara, who signed in free agency, are also in the mix.

That said, Murtagh could seize a roster spot if he carves a niche in kickoffs.

The kickoff rules could help Patrick Murtagh earn a spot on the Jaguars' 53-man roster

Right now, rookie Cam Little and Riley Patterson are competing for the kicker job. Based on how things have played out in training camp, the former has the edge. Ultimately, though, only one will get a roster spot, and the other one might land in the practice squad if another team doesn't claim him off waivers.

Knowing the Jaguars will keep just one kicker during the regular season, they could use Murtagh (or another player on kickoffs). Although rules protect kickers, keeping their legs fresh will be in their team's best interest.

Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media on Day 5 of training camp and said that he doesn't expect other clubs to tip their hand when it comes to special teams.

"We'll definitely watch it. I don't know if we'll gain a lot from it because I don't think teams are going to do a lot with it," Pederson responded when he was asked if they'll be paying attention to what other teams do in kickoffs. "You're going to see, hopefully, we as coaches that are watching it, maybe we see some different types of kickoffs."

"Whether they want to missile a kick down there, put it on the ground, put it into corners, whatever. Maybe some of that. But I don't think from a scheme standpoint, we'll see a whole lot now in the preseason."

Pederson went on to say that the changes to kickoffs are big, pointing out that they'll affect everyone. The Jaguars, for their part, are wasting no time getting acclimated to the new rules.

Ultimately, Patrick Murtagh and other players will try to use the new rules to their advantage, and why wouldn't they? Earning a roster spot is tough, so why not give yourself the best chance you can?

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