Jaguars Lock Up Key Defender Ahead of Free Agency

CB Montaric Brown signs 3-year, $33 million deal to stay in Jacksonville

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with cornerback Montaric "Buster" Brown, securing a key piece of their secondary just days before the start of NFL free agency. Brown, a former seventh-round pick, has emerged as a reliable starter over the past two seasons and will now remain in Duval County for the foreseeable future.

Why it matters

Retaining Brown was a priority for the Jaguars, who are expected to let fellow cornerback Greg Newsome leave in free agency. This deal gives the team flexibility to address other needs on the roster, like the defensive line, while solidifying the cornerback position with Brown and former Heisman winner Travis Hunter.

The details

Since becoming a regular starter, Brown has recorded 172 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 24 pass deflections, 12 of which came last season. The Jaguars were able to get a deal done with Brown before he hit the open market, where he was expected to draw significant interest.

  • The Jaguars agreed to terms with Brown on Monday, March 9, 2026, just days before the start of NFL free agency.

The players

Montaric "Buster" Brown

A cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has emerged as a reliable starter over the past two seasons.

Greg Newsome

A cornerback who is expected to leave the Jaguars in free agency.

Travis Hunter

A former Heisman winner who will share the cornerback room with Brown next season.

Jourdan Lewis

A veteran cornerback who will also be part of the Jaguars' cornerback group next season.

Devin Lloyd

A star linebacker for the Jaguars who is expected to leave the team in free agency.

Travis Etienne

A running back for the Jaguars who is expected to leave the team in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This deal to retain Montaric Brown is a win for the Jaguars, as they were able to lock up a key piece of their secondary before he hit the open market. However, the move also likely signals the end of the tenures for star linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne in Jacksonville, as the team will need to allocate resources elsewhere on the roster.