Jaguars Shake Up Roster with 7 Key Free Agency Moves

From re-signing key players to losing top talent, the Jaguars have been busy in the NFL's free agency period.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:35am

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been active in free agency, making one outside signing and several re-signings, while also seeing some of their own players depart for other teams. This article breaks down 7 key Jaguars-related free agency moves, including the signing of RB Chris Rodriguez, the departures of LB Devin Lloyd and RB Travis Etienne, and the re-signings of CB Montaric Brown and LB Dennis Gardeck.

Why it matters

These free agency moves will have a significant impact on the Jaguars' roster and their plans for the upcoming season. Losing top talent like Lloyd and Etienne is a blow, but retaining key players like Brown and Gardeck provides stability. The addition of Rodriguez also helps address the team's needs at running back. Overall, these transactions will shape the Jaguars' depth chart and strategy as they look to build on their progress from last season.

The details

The Jaguars made one notable outside signing, bringing in RB Chris Rodriguez, who had a productive season with the Washington Football Team in 2025. They also re-signed CB Montaric Brown and LB Dennis Gardeck to multi-year deals, solidifying their defense. However, the team lost several key players, including LB Devin Lloyd, who signed a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers, and RB Travis Etienne, who joined the New Orleans Saints. The Jaguars also parted ways with CB Greg Newsome, who signed with the New York Giants, and WR Dyami Brown, who joined the Washington Commanders.

  • The NFL's free agency legal tampering period began a week ago.
  • The Jaguars have been relatively quiet compared to the rest of the league during this stretch.

The players

Chris Rodriguez

A running back entering his fourth NFL season, Rodriguez had a larger role with the Washington Football Team last season, carrying the ball 112 times and averaging 4.5 yards per rush.

Devin Lloyd

A linebacker who signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Lloyd was a second-team All-Pro and a key part of the Jaguars' defense in 2025.

Travis Etienne

A running back who signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Etienne had a bounce-back season in 2025, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Montaric Brown

A cornerback who re-signed with the Jaguars on a three-year, $33 million deal. Brown established himself as a full-time starter and playmaker in the secondary last season.

Dennis Gardeck

A linebacker who re-signed with the Jaguars on a two-year deal. Gardeck was a valuable pass rusher and special teams contributor for the team in 2025.

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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)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These free agency moves highlight the Jaguars' efforts to retain key players while also addressing needs through outside signings. The loss of talent like Lloyd and Etienne is significant, but the team has made strides to maintain stability and continuity on both sides of the ball.