Free Agent RB Chris Rodriguez Signs with Jaguars

Rodriguez cites familiarity with head coach Liam Coen as key factor in decision

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:37pm

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Free agent running back Chris Rodriguez has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, citing his prior relationship with head coach Liam Coen as a major factor in his decision. Rodriguez, who spent the first three years of his NFL career with Washington, had his most productive college season in 2021 when Coen was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky.

Why it matters

The addition of Rodriguez provides the Jaguars with an experienced running back to complement their young backfield, and his familiarity with Coen's offensive system could help him make an immediate impact.

The details

Rodriguez signed a two-year deal worth up to $10 million to join the Jaguars. He is expected to share the workload out of the backfield with Bhayshul Tuten, while LeQuint Allen continues to see the field in passing situations. Rodriguez ranked among the best in PFF's average yards after contact metric during his time in Washington.

  • Rodriguez spent five seasons at Kentucky, with his most productive year coming in 2021 when Liam Coen was the offensive coordinator.
  • Rodriguez spent the first three years of his NFL career with Washington, including an increased role in 2025 when he carried the ball 112 times.

The players

Chris Rodriguez

A free agent running back who has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, citing his prior relationship with head coach Liam Coen as a key factor in his decision.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Kentucky when Rodriguez had his most productive college season in 2021.

Bhayshul Tuten

A running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is expected to share the workload with Rodriguez.

LeQuint Allen

A running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars who is expected to see more playing time in passing situations.

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What they’re saying

“As far as to why Jacksonville, I feel like it's an opportunity. I feel like it was going to be the best opportunity for me. I know Liam and he knows me. I know the type of standard he expects and I feel like we can get that done.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Free Agent Running Back (Yahoo Sports)

“When Liam got to Kentucky, he had to be one of my favorite coaches up until that point. He knows who you are, he knows your best self, and once you show it to him, he expects nothing less.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Free Agent Running Back (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Rodriguez will look to build on his productive 2025 season with Washington and establish himself as a key contributor in the Jaguars' backfield rotation.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' signing of Chris Rodriguez represents a low-risk, high-upside move that could pay dividends if Rodriguez is able to recapture the form he showed under Liam Coen's tutelage at Kentucky.