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Jacksonville Jaguars officially agree to terms with 9 in NFL free agency: What to know
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- Jacksonville Jaguars officially agree to terms with 9 in NFL free agency: What to know
The Jacksonville Jaguars were targeted in their approach to free agency this year under new leadership.
The franchise has officially agreed to terms with nine outside free agents, the team announced Thursday at 4 p.m., the start of the new league year.
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Here are Jacksonville's signees:
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CB Jourdan Lewis , Cowboys
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QB Nick Mullens , Vikings
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TE Johnny Mundt , Vikings
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TE Hunter Long , Rams
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WR Dyami Brown , Commanders
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S Eric Murray , Texans
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OL Patrick Mekari , Ravens
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OT Chuma Edoga , Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars free agency: Who could the team target after the first wave?
Gladstone made an edict at the NFL Combine last month, giving observers a clue of what to expect for free agency and the draft. Jacksonville will leverage their 10 draft picks in next month's draft to help overhaul the team rather than bringing in high-priced free agents to fill holes.
The team's most-expensive signee is Mekari, a versatile offensive lineman who projects as the team's starting right guard this season, signed a reported three-year, $37.5 million contract ($12.5 million per year) with $20 million guaranteed at signing.
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For reference, last year Jacksonville signed defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a deal averaging $14.5 million while inking wide receiver Gabe Davis to a deal averaging $13 million a year.
The Jaguars appeared to formulate a plan and target positions with clear holes, something Coen also hinted would be easy to determine without him giving away state secrets.
"Whether it's through the free agency and through the draft, we know we have to fill some of those voids. You guys know what those voids are," he told a group of reporters at the Combine.
Jacksonville's free agency spending appears to have ultimately aligned with their thought process entering the offseason.
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"I think that the talent that exists on this team is better than that record. Look forward to bringing that to life and we're going to elevate the floor of the roster immediately," Gladstone said in Indy.
How much money did the Jaguars spend this cycle?
Although the team's salary cap space remains in flux as financial details continue to emerge, we do have a good idea of how much the team spent in guaranteed salaries, signing bonuses and overall contract values this cycle.
Note: All contract numbers are based on reports from NFL media and may be incomplete.
Here is a breakdown of Jacksonville free agency contracts given out this cycle.
| PLAYER |
POS |
EXP |
YRS |
VALUE |
AVERAGE |
GTD AT SIGN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G |
6 |
3 |
$37,500,000 |
$12,500,000 |
$20,000,000 |
|
| CB |
8 |
3 |
$30,000,000 |
$10,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
|
| C |
4 |
3 |
$21,000,000 |
$7,000,000 |
$10,000,000 |
|
| Skylar Murray |
S |
9 |
3 |
$19,500,000 |
$6,500,000 |
$10,000,000 |
| WR |
4 |
1 |
$10,000,000 |
$10,000,000 |
Unavailable |
|
| LT |
6 |
2 |
$7,000,000 |
$3,500,000 |
$3,200,000 |
|
| QB |
8 |
2 |
$6,500,000 |
$3,250,000 |
Unavailable |
|
| TE |
8 |
2 |
$5,000,000 |
$2,750,000 |
$2,250,000 |
|
| TE |
4 |
2 |
$5,000,000 |
$2,500,000 |
Unavailable |
Data provided by Spotrac.com
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Meet the class: Who are the Jaguars' free agent signees this year?
The Jaguars invested heavily in its offensive line, signing three players to play right guard, center and swing lineman, respectively between Mekari, Hainsey and Edoga.
The team also found two players who could start in their secondary: Lewis and Murray at nickel cornerback and safety, respectively.
Rounding out the class, Jacksonville signed two blocking tight ends (Long and Mundt) to help replace Luke Farrell and Evan Engram , a backup quarterback (Mullens) and a depth piece at receiver (Brown).
Jourdan Lewis, DB, Cowboys
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: Jourdan Lewis #27 of the Dallas Cowboys is seen on the field during warm ups before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lewis, 29, has played in Dallas since being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He's started 64 games, playing in 115. Lewis has totaled 386 tackles (275 solos), 19 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and 44 pass breakups.
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Lewis has been a mainstay in Dallas' ever-changing secondary and gave them stability at the nickel position. That's where Lewis is expected to play in Jacksonville. The team has Darnell Savage and Jarrian Jones with experience in that position, but their plans for those two players remain unknown.
Reported contract details:Three-year, $30 million contract with $20 million guaranteed ( Rapoport ).
Nick Mullens, QB, Vikings
Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) passes against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jamir Jones (40) in the third quarter during the 2022 Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mullens, 29, has played regular season games for three franchises including the San Francisco 49ers (2018-2020), Cleveland Browns (2021) and the Vikings (2022-24). He spent time on the Las Vegas Raiders ' offseason roster ahead of the 2022 season.
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Mullens has completed 65.8% of his passes through 33 games played (20 starts). He's gone 5-15 as a starter, throwing for 6,429 yards, 34 touchdowns and 31 interceptions. Mullens becomes Jacksonville's backup quarterback behind Trevor Lawrence . C.J. Beathard and Mac Jones are expected to leave via free agency.
Reported contract details:Two-year, $6.5 million contract with $3 million guaranteed ( Garafolo ).
Johnny Mundt, TE, Vikings
Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt (86) celebrates his touchdown against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Mundt, 30, has played in 98 games (18 starts) in his career. He's played for the Los Angeles Rams (2017-21) and the Vikings (2022-24).
Mundt has caught 65 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns in his career as a reserve tight end. He caught 19 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns last year.
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Reported contract details:Two-year, $5.5 million contract ( Pelissero ).
Hunter Long, TE, Rams
Hunter Long (84) celebrates with former Los Angeles Rams teammates Xavier Smith (19) and tight end Colby Parkinson (86) after scoring a touchdown on a blocked punt against the Buffalo Bills last fall. Long, a 2016 graduate, signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Long, 26, is one of the league's top blocking tight ends and should fill the void left by Luke Farrell reportedly expected to leave for the San Francisco 49ers .
Long is ranked 17th in pass blocking among tight ends with at least 110 snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus with a grade of 73.4. Long ranked fifth in run blocking among tight ends with a grade of 68.1.
In four years with the Rams, Long caught eight passes for 68 yards through 37 games (five starts).
Reported contract details:Two-year, $5 million contract with $6 million in max value ( Garafolo ).
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Dyami Brown, WR, Commanders
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (2) celebrates after the Washington Commanders beat the Chicago Bears on a Hail Mary pass with no time left at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Brown, 25, has played in 63 games (10 starts) in his career. He, in part, replaces Christian Kirk , traded to the Texans.
Brown has caught 59 passes for 784 yards and four touchdowns. In the playoffs this past season, Brown caught 14 passes for 229 yards (16.4 yards per catch) and a touchdown through three games.
Brown brings depth to Jacksonville's receiver room. They aren't done adding quite yet.
Reported contract details:One-year, $10 million contract ( NFL ).
Eric Murray , S, Texans
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 21: Eric Murray #23 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a defensive stop against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
Murray, 31, has started 58 games for three franchises including the Kansas City Chiefs (2016-18, 11 starts), the Cleveland Browns (2019, four starts) and the Texans (2020-24, 43 starts).
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Murray has totaled 386 tackles (269 solos), 10 tackles for loss, 24 pass breakups and three interceptions through his nine-year career.
Murray is expected to replace Andre Cisco at safety. Cisco is expected to sign with the Jets .
Reported contract details:Three-year, $22.5 million deal with $12 million guaranteed ( Maurice Jones-Drew ).
Patrick Mekari, OL, Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Patrick Mekari #65 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the fourth quarter in a game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Mekari, 27, is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL. He's played snaps at all five positions across the offensive line in his career including at:
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Left tackle: 672 snaps
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Left guard: 832 snaps
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Center: 683 snaps
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Right guard 272 snaps
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Right tackle: 1,206 snaps
The Jaguars signed Mekari to replace Scherff at right guard, but he could slide in anywhere. The team is likely to address the position further in next month's draft, but Mekari should start this year and potentially next season. Last year, PFF credited Mekari with allowing just one sack and 32 total pressures.
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In his career, he's allowed 16 sacks and 105 total pressures, according to PFF.
Reported contract details:Three-year, $37.5 million contract with a max value of $39 million. Over $20 million guaranteed ( Fowler ).
Chuma Edoga, OL, Cowboys
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Chuma Edoga (71) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Edoga, 27, has played in 48 games (23 starts) for Dallas, the Jets and the Falcons including six starts in 2023 at guard with the Cowboys. He has played tackle and guard and should operate as a swing offensive lineman for Jacksonville in 2025.
Reported contract details:Two-year, $7 million contract with $3.2 million guaranteed ( Archer ).
Robert Hainsey, C, Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Hainsey, 26, was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.
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In his career, Hainsey has started 35 games including 34 in 2022-23 with the Buccaneers. He lost his starting center job to first-round pick Graham Barton last season. He provides Jacksonville with a capable starting center after losing Morse to retirement.
Reported contract details:Three-year, $21 million contract with $13 million guaranteed ( Rapoport ).
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius .
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars officially agree to terms with nine free agents
