Jaguars Rebuild in Free Agency

Monday saw the beginning of the 2025 NFL free agency period and many players signing with new teams. Under new leadership, the Jaguars are set to rebuild for the upcoming season.

Jaguars Make Moves on Day One

The legal negotiation window began on Monday at noon, and many teams jumped to action. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed with nine free agents on Monday, with new head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone seeking to strengthen the team after the loss of several key players and build around quarterback and playmaker Trevor Lawrence.

The nine new free agents to join the Jaguars include a backup quarterback, offensive tackle, center, two tight ends, offensive lineman, safety, wide receiver and cornerback.

Signings on Defense

Last year, the Jaguars finished last in pass defense in the NFL (257.4 yards per game) and gave up 23 pass plays of 30 or more yards, so addressing the needs for slot cornerback and safety were a pressing priority. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis agreed to a record breaking $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed, making Lewis the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL. Last season, Lewis had a career-high 71 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups and 3 pressures. In addition, former Houston Texans safety Eric Murray signed a three-year deal with the Jags, providing a significant upgrade at safety. Last season, Murray had a career-high 10 passes defended, 75 tackles and 1 interception. Although older, the 31-year-old safety will provide much needed stability and dependability on defense.

Signings on Offense

The Jaguars also signed a two-year, $6.5 million with $3 million guaranteed, deal with Nick Mullens. Nick Mullens is the former Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback, following previous Vikings and current Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski to Jacksonville. Starter quarterback Trevor Lawrence has battled numerous injuries from the past two seasons, and missed seven games last season due to a concussion and shoulder injury. Mullens is a reliable veteran quarterback who, if needed, will be an upgrade over Mac Jones.

Patrick Mekari signed a three-year deal worth $37.5 million with $20 million guaranteed. Mekari is an offensive lineman who will play at right guard following the expiration of Brandon Scherff’s contract. Last season, Mekari had a pass block win rate of 94.6%, good for fifth among NFL guards. A versatile lineman with experience at all five offensive line positions, Mekari is an instant upgrade for the Jaguars offensive line.

Further strengthening the offensive line, former Cowboys starting offensive tackle Chuma Edoga and the Jaguars agreed to a two-year deal. Joining teammate Jourdan Lewis, Edoga will offer depth as a swing tackle and guard.

Robert Hainsey agreed to a three-year $21 million contract the Jaguars. The contract includes $13 million guaranteed. Mitch Morse, former Jaguars center, announced his retirement days before the free agency period began. Hainsey was the Tampa Buccaneers starting center in the 2022-23 season before the Bucs replaced him with rookie Graham Barton. Hainsey played under Coen’s leadership on the Bucs and is the only offensive lineman on the roster who has worked with Coen before. In the 2022-23 season, Hainsey had a pass block win rate of 91.3%, significant improvement from Luke Fortner’s 87%.

Former wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, Dyami Brown signed a one-year contact with the Jaguars worth $10 million. The wide receiver will play outside opposite Brian Thomas Jr. Last season, Brown had 30 catches and 308 yards, and he will be an excellent addition following the loss of Christian Kirk.

The Jaguars signed two-year contracts with two tight ends, Hunter Long, from the Rams, and Johnny Mundt, from the Vikings. Long and Mundt have both previously worked with Gladstone. Long is a dependable blocking tight end, while Mundt is a strong receiving tight end. Working as a unit with Brenton Strange, the three tight ends have gained depth, experience and reliability.