Jaguars GM Explains Free Agency Decisions, Departures of Lloyd and Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone discusses the team's free agency strategy, focusing on future draft capital and player departures.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:07am

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Jaguars GM James Gladstone explained the team's approach during a press conference, touching on topics like the departures of linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne, as well as the team's plans to address those losses. Gladstone said the Jaguars are focused on building up future draft capital through compensatory picks, rather than making a big splash in free agency this offseason.

Why it matters

The Jaguars had a breakout 13-4 season in 2025, but have since lost several key starters in free agency. Gladstone's comments provide insight into the team's long-term strategy and how they plan to replace important contributors like Lloyd and Etienne.

The details

The Jaguars have lost multiple starters to free agency, including linebacker Devin Lloyd, running back Travis Etienne, cornerback Montaric Brown, and safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Gladstone said the team is focused on building up future draft capital through compensatory picks, rather than making a big splash in free agency this offseason. He mentioned that the team is confident in their existing linebacker depth, with players like Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs expected to step up. At running back, Gladstone expressed excitement about second-year back Bhayshul Tuten and others in the backfield.

  • The Jaguars held a Zoom press conference with local media on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Devin Lloyd

A former linebacker for the Jaguars who departed the team in free agency.

Travis Etienne

A former running back for the Jaguars who departed the team in free agency.

Montaric Brown

A former cornerback for the Jaguars who departed the team in free agency.

Rayshawn Jenkins

A former safety for the Jaguars who departed the team in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“We're at a stage now where a higher volume of draft capital is what we're hunting up in those compensatory picks. When you think about high-priced free agents of ours ended up signing elsewhere, well deserved contracts... In return, by not signing any outside free agents, we recoup 2027 draft capital.”

— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager (Yahoo Sports)

“The results of those games are going to look a lot different and I know that our coaching staff had such a high appreciation for what he did. The players in the locker room loved to play beside him and appreciate all the pieces that he brought to the puzzle.”

— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager (Yahoo Sports)

“As things progressed, we obviously made the decision to step aside and have him get what was earned. And I think he's pretty darn excited, it seems, to be back in his home state and be able to step in to that stadium.”

— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to address their linebacker depth through the draft or potential free agent signings, as they aim to replace the production of Devin Lloyd. The team is also excited to see how second-year running back Bhayshul Tuten performs with an increased role in the offense following Travis Etienne's departure.

The takeaway

The Jaguars are taking a measured approach to free agency this offseason, prioritizing future draft capital over making a big splash in the open market. While they've lost several key starters, the team believes it has the internal depth to replace those players and continue building towards long-term success.