Over the last few days, the Jaguars restructured the contracts of Patrick Mekari, Eric Murray, and Jourdan Lewis. The goal was to create more cap space before free agency was set to begin. Just hours before the legal tampering period for NFL free agency is set to begin, the Jaguars have made their first moves, re-signing defensive back Montaric Brown to a three-year, $33 million deal and linebacker Dennis Gardeck to a two-year, $12 million deal.
Jaguars Re-Sign Defensive Back Montaric Brown and Linebacker Dennis Gardeck
Montaric Brown
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) March 9, 2026
Lowest NFL Rating Allowed by CB in Zone
45.8- Montaric Brown
48.7- Derek Stingley Jr
48.7- Joey Porter Jr
53.5- Cooper DeJean
56.5- Jack Jones(Data: @PFF)
pic.twitter.com/15DijLg30Y— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) March 9, 2026
Brown had a career season in 2025, defending 12 passes and allowing a career best in passer rating, yards, and completion percentage when targeted. In his first three seasons, Brown had shown flashes but was inconsistent. Due to the consistent shift in defensive coordinators and personnel, he was never able to find his footing. But in his final season under contract, the Jaguars hired first-time defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Campanile’s scheme and coaching prowess instantly improved the defense, with multiple players on the defense having career seasons.
While linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Antonio Johnson drew more attention for their eye-popping statistics, Brown was quietly one of the best players on the defense and fits Campanile’s scheme perfectly as a primarily zone-based defensive back. The Jaguars’ starting defensive backfield is now finalized for the 2026 season. Brown and Travis Hunter will handle the boundaries along the outside, and Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones will man the slot positions.
Dennis Gardeck
Most Pressures among LBs (@PFF)
37- Eric Wilson
30- Kaden Elliss
25- Devin Lloyd (🐆)
25- Nick Bolton
25- Frankie Luvu
23- Dennis Gardeck (🐆)
pic.twitter.com/gKbQxmA2iM— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) March 9, 2026
Linebacker Dennis Gardeck thrived as a rotational player for the Jaguars’ defense in 2025. Gardeck recorded 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, six tackles for loss, and 25 pressures, which was sixth among all linebackers. He played 39% of all defensive snaps and was used largely as a pass rusher. So far, the Jaguars have re-signed two key pieces of their defense, and could continue adding in free agency.
