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One ESPN expert called Jaguars losers of free agency. How did NFL experts grade signings?
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- One ESPN expert called Jaguars losers of free agency. How did NFL experts grade signings?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been busy before NFL free agency officially starts. Will the moves turn the team around?
Several key players from recent years are gone, with Christian Kirk traded to the Houston Texans , Evan Engram released, Mitch Moore retired and Andre Cisco among those who will sign with other teams. New general manager James Gladstone's replacements so far include Washington Commanders wideout Dyami Brown , Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Patrick Mekari and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis .
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Those moves won't be official until the new NFL year begins Wednesday, and there could be more coming. But NFL experts are already giving their grades on the reported deals so far, with a mix of good and bad reviews.
Jaguars signings
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Dyami Brown , wide receiver
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Chuma Edoga , offensive tackle
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Robert Hainsey , center
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Hunter Long , tight end
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Patrick Mekari , offensive lineman
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Nick Mullens , quarterback
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Johnny Mundt , tight end
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Eric Murray , safety
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Jourdan Lewis , cornerback
Jaguars free agency grades
Here's a look at how national experts are viewing the Jaguars' free agency dealings so far:
Our Jaguars grades: Demetrius Harvey gives his analysis, instant grades and contract details
ESPN : Jaguars are losers in free agency
Bill Barnwell said he liked some of the moves, especially on the offensive line and how the team chose to replace Evan Engram at tight end. But he is confused about James Gladstone's first offseason as GM, especially regarding the Dyami Brown deal.
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"The Jags already had a player to serve as their downfield threat in Gabe Davis , who has $12.3 million guaranteed due in the second year of his contract," Barnwell wrote. "That's not a great deal, and perhaps they will try to unload it to free up space for Brown, but Davis has been a much better player over his career than Brown. Brown might not even be better than Parker Washington , who would have otherwise been Jacksonville's third wideout in a slot/underneath role."
He also questioned giving soon-to-be 30-year-old Jourdan Lewis $20 million in guarantees to be the Jags' slot cornerback. "He isn't the same sort of questionable signing as Brown — Lewis has a much better résumé — but what happened to turn him from a player who was worth paying $2.8 million for his age-29 season to one who will make four times as much over each of the next two seasons?" Barnwell wrote.
CBS Sports : Jaguars get a C+
Tyler Sullivan liked the Patrick Mekari addition to either boost the interior line or install at tackle. "It wasn't the sexiest of first days in free agency for Jacksonville, but solid nonetheless," he wrote.
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The Athletic : Patrick Mekari signing gets a B
Patrick Mekari was the No. 30 overall free agent in The Athletic's rankings. "He helped pave the way for a Ravens offense that ranked among the league leaders in yards," Mike Jones wrote. "The Jaguars are trying to upgrade the interior of Trevor Lawrence 's offensive line and hope Mekari can help in this regard."
The Ringer : Patrick Mekari deal worth a B
Sheil Kapadia had Patrick Mekari as the No. 54 overall free agent on the market, calling him the most versatile lineman available. "Is he going to develop into an All-Pro? Unlikely," Kapadia wrote. "But the Jaguars need interior offensive line help, and Mekari offers the versatility to play any spot on the line."
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Bleacher Report : B for Patrick Mekari, B- for Jourdan Lewis
Gary Davenport said there's risk in spending for Patrick Mekari, who was a full-time starter for the first time last season and who was stronger in pass protection than run blocking. But the Jaguars addressed a major need on a player entering his prime. "Any time you can land one of the better free-agent OL without spending a fortune, it's a win," Davenport wrote.
Making Jourdan Lewis the highest-paid nickelback in the NFL helped tackle the Jaguars' other big offseason need. Davenport called the former Cowboy "a solid player ... however, Lewis isn't really a difference maker," adding there's still work to do to fix the secondary.
Pro Football Network : C+ for the Jaguars
Pro Football Network said there should be plenty of options for the Jags to replace Christian Kirk and Evan Engram, indicating the team shouldn't be content with just bringing in Dyami Brown, Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt. The site called the Patrick Mekari signing "a reasonable deal for a 27-year-old with experience playing all five offensive line spots."
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars free agency grades: NFL experts on Jourdan Lewis, Patrick Mekari
