5 Key Jaguars Free Agents Remain Unsigned Before Draft

Retaining top talent will be crucial for Jacksonville's roster heading into 2026 season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:22pm

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With the 2026 NFL draft just weeks away, five of the Jacksonville Jaguars' own free agents have yet to sign with a new team for the upcoming season. This group includes wide receivers Tim Patrick and Josh Cephus, interior defensive lineman Austin Johnson, and defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah - all of whom played key roles for the team last year.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are looking to build on a promising 2025 campaign, but retaining these core free agents will be crucial to maintaining continuity and depth across the roster. Several of these players provided valuable contributions in 2025, and their uncertain futures could impact the team's draft plans and offseason strategy.

The details

The Jaguars have been relatively quiet in free agency this offseason, focused on re-signing their own players like Montaric Brown, Dennis Gardeck, and Quintin Morris. However, five notable free agents remain unsigned, including wide receivers Tim Patrick and Josh Cephus, interior defensive lineman Austin Johnson, and defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah. Patrick was a reliable target in the passing game, while Johnson and Smoot provided depth and versatility on the defensive line. Ogbah's role diminished as the season progressed, leading to his uncertain future.

  • The 2026 NFL draft is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The players

Tim Patrick

A wide receiver who caught 15 passes for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns last season for the Jaguars.

Josh Cephus

A wide receiver who was non-tendered by the Jaguars as an exclusive rights free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Austin Johnson

An interior defensive lineman who was a regular contributor, averaging around 14 snaps per game and grading well against the run.

Dawuane Smoot

A versatile defensive end who recorded 19 pressures and 2 sacks last season.

Emmanuel Ogbah

A defensive end whose role diminished as the season progressed, finishing with 16 pressures, 1 sack, and 13 tackles.

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What they’re saying

“Depth and competition can still be added to the receiver room.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

“As Gladstone searches for more pass-rush juice from the interior defensive line, my guess is that he looks elsewhere to provide that.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

“Depth is needed at defensive end, and Smoot brings versatility to this unit.”

— Paul Bretl, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will have to decide whether to re-sign any of these free agents or look elsewhere to fill those roster spots ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

The takeaway

Retaining key free agents will be crucial for the Jaguars as they look to build on their promising 2025 season and address roster needs through the upcoming draft. The uncertain futures of these five players could significantly impact the team's offseason plans and their ability to maintain continuity on both offense and defense.