Jaguars Retain Key Cornerback in Free Agency

Jacksonville re-signs Montaric Brown, adds running back Chris Rodriguez

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:48pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have made several key moves in the early stages of NFL free agency, including re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown and adding running back Chris Rodriguez. While the team let running back Travs Etienne depart for a lucrative deal elsewhere, the Jaguars' top moves so far have been retaining Brown and bringing in Rodriguez to complement their backfield.

Why it matters

Retaining Brown was a crucial move for the Jaguars, as he emerged as a starting-caliber cornerback last season. His return provides stability in the secondary and allows the team flexibility in the upcoming draft. The addition of Rodriguez also gives the Jaguars more experienced depth at running back to support Bhayshul Tuten.

The details

Montaric Brown took a big step forward for the Jaguars in 2025, allowing a completion rate of just 54% on 68 targets and recording 2 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. By re-signing him, the team avoids having to address cornerback as an immediate need in the draft. Chris Rodriguez, who played under Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen at Kentucky, signed a 2-year, $10 million deal to provide a physical complement to Tuten in the backfield. Meanwhile, the Jaguars opted not to match the 4-year, $52 million contract that Travs Etienne signed with another team, deciding his production was not worth that level of investment.

  • Montaric Brown re-signed with the Jaguars in March 2026.
  • Chris Rodriguez signed with the Jaguars in March 2026.
  • Travs Etienne signed a 4-year, $52 million deal with another team in March 2026.

The players

Montaric Brown

A cornerback who emerged as a starter for the Jaguars in 2025, allowing a 54% completion rate and recording 2 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.

Chris Rodriguez

A running back who played under Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen at Kentucky, signed a 2-year, $10 million deal to provide depth in the Jaguars' backfield.

Travs Etienne

A running back who rushed for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Jaguars in 2025, but signed a 4-year, $52 million deal with another team in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Retaining Brown was important. For starters, Brown took a big step forward last season, showcasing his abilities to start on a weekly basis and perform at a high level while doing so.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

“The addition of Rodriguez gives the Jaguars added experience at the running back position, along with the opportunity to unlock some untapped potential that Rodriguez possesses.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will now enter the NFL draft with more flexibility, as they no longer have an immediate need to address the cornerback position.

The takeaway

The Jaguars have made prudent moves in free agency, retaining a key defensive starter in Montaric Brown while adding experienced depth at running back with Chris Rodriguez. By letting Travs Etienne depart for a lucrative deal elsewhere, the team has demonstrated fiscal responsibility in managing their roster.