2026 Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason Additions and Departures<\/p>\n
The Jaguars approached the offseason a lot like the Broncos did. Instead of making a lot of big free agency splashes, they opted for continuity resigning players who helped them achieve their success last season. They also restructured a lot of in-house contracts, since they were quite low on cap space.<\/p>\n
One addition they made in free agency was inking running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal. Prior to the roster finalization deadline, they traded for offensive lineman Daniel Faalele into the fold. However, a foot injury will keep him sidelined in the Week 2 matchup against Denver.<\/p>\n
The Jaguars also lost a handful of quality players<\/a> this past offseason. Running back Travis Etienne signed a lucrative deal with the New Orleans Saints. Versatile linebacker Devin Loyd made his way to the Carolina Panthers earning a three-year deal worth $45 million. Those were key starters that played a big role in their turnaround last season.<\/p>\n In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jaguars didn\u2019t have a first-round pick but still added 10 players<\/a> on Day 2 and 3. Their first pick was a surprise, selecting Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second-round a lot higher than analysts projected him to go. They followed up that selection taking his teammate, defensive tackle Albert Regis in the third round and took Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon several selections later who will start at left guard on Sunday against Denver.<\/p>\n JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo by Perry Knotts\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Offensive X-Factor: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to believe it\u2019s Trevor Lawrence\u2019s sixth year in the National Football League. Some may say the former top pick hasn\u2019t lived up to his hype coming out of college. However last year, he put together a rebound season. Lawrence had the best outing<\/a> of his career throwing for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.<\/p>\n Against the Browns in Week 1, Lawrence was absolutely dominant. He completed 18-of-23 passes for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns and was only sacked once. In the Week 16 matchup against the Broncos last season, Lawrence had himself a big game<\/a> going 23-of-36 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown.<\/p>\n In order to defeat the Jaguars on Sunday, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is going to have to find a way to dial up the heat on Lawrence and force him into some mistakes. You can\u2019t let him carve you up through the air and extend drives on third down. He\u2019s one of the best in the game, so Joseph and the defense have their work cut out for them.<\/p>\n JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass during the second quarter in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Everbank Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Defensive X-Factor: Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen<\/p>\n Last year, I had the aforementioned Devin Lloyd as their X-Factor on defense. For this matchup, I\u2019ll be giving that nod to Josh Hines-Allen. A two-time Pro-Bowl player, Hines-Allen boasts over 60 sacks in his first seven seasons in the NFL.<\/p>\n In 2025, he totaled<\/a> 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, and 8 sacks and was the most productive pass rusher on their defense. Last week against the Browns, he was an impact player posting 5 tackles, two quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks.<\/p>\n The Jaguars tout a talented front four with Travon Walker playing opposite of him, along with imposing defensive tackles DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead. This is a game where Denver\u2019s offensive line is going to have to step up and combat their pass rush.<\/p>\n Quarterback Bo Nix is going to need time to operate in the pocket for their aerial attack to have success. The Broncos\u2019 offensive line didn\u2019t have their best performance against the Chiefs. They need to perform much better and do whatever it takes to slow down Hines-Allen.<\/p>\n![\"JACKSONVILLE,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/gettyimages-2256490653.jpg\"\/)
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