{"id":269498,"date":"2026-03-16T18:58:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T22:58:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=269498"},"modified":"2026-03-16T18:58:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T22:58:24","slug":"why-the-jaguars-took-the-correct-approach-in-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/16\/why-the-jaguars-took-the-correct-approach-in-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Jaguars Took the Correct Approach in Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2025, the Jaguars were aggressive in free agency, handing out 14 contracts totaling $149 million. General manager James Gladstone<\/a> was direct in his approach, stating that the goal was to \u201craise the floor of the team.” Later in the season, the Jaguars would trade for and sign wide receiver Jakobi Meyers <\/a>and extend offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why the Jaguars Took the Correct Approach in Free Agency<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Jaguars
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) runs against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Jaguars’ key pieces were now in place, with a few positions needing upgrades. The problem was now the available cap space. Entering the 2026 offseason, the Jaguars were $16 million over the cap<\/a>. The restructures helped create flexibility to bring back cornerback Montaric Brown<\/a> and linebacker Dennis Gardeck<\/a>, but it would not be enough to re-sign second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd<\/a> or running back Travis Etienne<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Because of these departures, fans viewed it as a pivot to sign big-name outside free agents, but this was not the case. The Jaguars made just one outside signing, and it was Washington Commanders<\/a> running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.<\/a> to a two-year, $10 million contract. In the first team-building window of the offseason, the Jaguars marginally improved, only making three total signings, two of which were already on the team in 2025.<\/p>\n

But this was the correct approach. Previous general manager Trent Baalke<\/a> was consistently a big spender in free agency, and that is what put the Jaguars in their current salary cap position. The Jaguars have just $7 million in cap space, while having the sixth-highest dead-cap total in the NFL at $53.3 million.<\/p>\n

Building Through the Draft<\/h3>\n

James Gladstone has repeatedly stated that he wants to build through the draft, and the Jaguars have the assets to do it. Despite not having their first-round pick in the 2026 draft, the Jaguars will have 11 picks, with four of them in the second and third rounds. In 2027, the Jaguars are projected to have a total of 10 picks after losing Greg Newsome II<\/a>, Travis Etienne, and Devin Lloyd.<\/p>\n

\n

#Jaguars<\/a> Draft Picks (21)<\/p>\n

2026: 11
\u20222nd
\u20223rd (3)
\u20224th
\u20225th (2)
\u20226th
\u20227th (3)<\/p>\n

2027: 7 (+3 proj comp picks)
\u20221st
\u20222nd
\u20223rd
\u20224th (2*)
\u20225th (2*)
\u20226th (2*)
\u20227th<\/p>\n

*3 projected 2027 comp picks: 4th, 5th, & 6th for losing Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne, & Greg Newsome via OTC<\/p>\n

— \ud835\udd4b\ud835\udd63\ud835\udd52\ud835\udd67\ud835\udd5a\ud835\udd64 \ud83c\udd53. \u210d\ud835\udd60\ud835\udd5d\ud835\udd5e\ud835\udd56\ud835\udd64 (@TravisDHolmes) March 11, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n