Story by
New Jaguars RB DeeJay Dallas excited for 'dream come true' opportunity
- Story by
- New Jaguars RB DeeJay Dallas excited for 'dream come true' opportunity
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed former Carolina Panthers running back DeeJay Dallas shortly after it was known that rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten would miss at least a couple of games due to an injury to his finger .
Dallas, 27, is from Brunswick, Ga., just an hour up the road from Jacksonville. He grew up a Jaguars fan and played at the University of Miami before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks .
Advertisement
Dallas has bounced around the league a bit since playing for the Seahawks. Before this year's stint with Carolina, Dallas played for the Arizona Cardinals . He totaled nine carries for 49 yards, adding three catches for 11 yards and a TD.
In four years with the Seahawks, Dallas carried the ball 112 times for 468 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 61 passes for 396 yards and a receiving TD.
RYAN O'HALLORAN: Jaguars' biggest challenge: Blocking Broncos' pass rush
Dallas also has experience as a return specialist, tallying 39 punt returns in his career for 367 yards, while he's tallied 83 kick returns for 2,071 yards and a touchdown (2024, Arizona Cardinals ) in 81 games played.
Advertisement
Now, it's coming back around, full circle for the back/return specialist.
"I was just so happy [when the Jaguars called], like actually was at a loss for words," Dallas said in the locker room Wednesday. "It's a blessing to truly, just finally be here playing for the team you watched, rooted for growing up."
Dallas said he still pays attention to Jacksonville, having been a fan. He added he was "hoping, praying for success" in Jacksonville while he worked for his own success at other places.
FEATURE: Jakobi Meyers' journey from high school to standout Jacksonville Jaguars WR
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands the ball to running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
One of Tuten's primary responsibilities this year has been as a kick return specialist. Dallas has experience there, too, but he said Wednesday that he'd do whatever the team needs him to.
Advertisement
"I told them I'll do whatever. I don't care about how many reps I get, what I got to do. I just want to win and [I'm] coming here to a winning team and a team that has playoff aspirations and is looking to make a run," said Dallas.
Dallas has third-down-back ability, able to catch the football in addition to holding up well in pass protection. His veteran presence was something the team was searching for after Tuten's injury and with fellow rookie back LeQuint Allen tasked with taking on some of Tuten's carrying load .
"[Pass-game coordinator] Shane [Waldron], [running backs coach] Chad [Morton], [quarterbacks coach] Spencer Whipple, all had experience with him at one point or another and yeah, that was something that we looked at for the return game," Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said this week.
"And also, a veteran that played in football games and knows how to go handle atmospheres like this and I've only heard good things about him, so look forward to getting him onboarded."
Advertisement
Dallas will make his Jaguars debut this week against the Denver Broncos .
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 .
If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider becoming a subscriber to support local journalism in Northeast Florida .
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars DeeJay Dallas excited to play for favorite team
