The Jacksonville Jaguars were major players in free agency this year and will continue to add depth players to their roster. The Jaguars had a ton of cap space going into free agency, and after such a positive year, especially on the offensive side of the ball, Jacksonville seems to be on the rise.
The Jaguars utilized their cap space in the best possible way, never overpaying for talent, rather setting a cap for each player and coming to an agreement that was beneficial for both sides. The Jaguars added the top free agent of them all, defensive end Malik Jackson, who will be a versatile piece of their defensive line.
Jackson is only 26, so he has a ton of time to develop in Jacksonville's system. Jackson signed a 5-year, $85 million deal with Jacksonville. The Jaguars also added free safety Tashaun Gipson formerly of the Cleveland Browns. The Browns lost a ton of free agents this year, and Gipson was one of the first to jump ship.
Gipson signed a 5-year, $36 million deal that will keep him in Jacksonville until he is 30. Running back Chris Ivory was also added to the roster; he was the last player who the Jaguars have signed and got a 5-year deal worth $32 million.
Ivory will be the change-of-pace back behind T.J. Yeldon, who the Jaguars think can become a bell cow running back. The re-signing of tight end Marcedes Lewis and additions of punter Brad Nortman and offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau make the roster a lot more dynamic.
The Jaguars' most recent big signing came from picking up former New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara, as they signed him to a 1-year deal. Now the Jaguars will head into the 2016 NFL Draft focused on finding the best possible player available.
The top need of the Jaguars heading into the draft will be the cornerback position, as Amukamara will be on a short leash. His signing does give the Jaguars some breathing room, and they could look toward the second round to take a cornerback. Jacksonville can now focus on strengthening its offensive line with the fifth overall pick in the draft.
