Does money grow on trees? It certainly seems like it, at least from the perspective of the Jacksonville Jaguars front office. The franchise made yet another splash in free agency today, using their enormous cap space to sign an additional five free agents.
Chris Manhertz, TE
The Jaguars signed tight end Chris Manhertz to a two-year deal worth $7.25 million ($4.25 million guaranteed). The 28-year-old played in all 16 games with the Carolina Panthers last year, starting in 12 of them. Expect Manhertz to primarily serve in the trenches on the offensive line, as the former undrafted free agent has reeled in only 12 career receptions for 142 yards and a single touchdown. Manhertz will most likely compete with James O’Shaughnessy for the starting TE spot.
Jihad Ward, DE
Former Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars for an unknown contract. Ward, who previously played under Jaguars defensive line coach Joe Cullen in Baltimore, registered a combined 59 tackles and 8 sacks in his tenure in the NFL. The 2016 second-round draft pick should serve as a key piece on the defensive line for the Jaguars.
Shaquill Griffin, CB
Perhaps the biggest news of the day for the Jaguars is the signing of former Seattle Seahawk Shaquill Griffin. The 25-year-old cornerback signed a three-year deal worth $44.5 million ($29 million guaranteed). Griffin tallied 53 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass deflections in the 2020 season with Seattle.
Griffin’s efforts should positively affect the defensive production of the team immediately, as one of Jacksonville’s biggest weaknesses last year was the cornerback position. Even better, with Shaquill returning to his home state of Florida, it’s possible that his twin brother Shaquem Griffin follows in his footsteps. There’s already been a few rumors of the deal happening, although nothing is official yet.
Tyson Alualu, DT
Tyson Alualu has finally made his return to Duval Country. The 2010 Jaguars first-round draft pick signed a two-year deal worth $6 million with the franchise. Over his career, the 33-year-old defensive tackle recorded a combined 398 tackles, 24.5 sacks, and 46 tackles for a loss. In his seven seasons with the Jaguars, Alualu tallied 30 tackles for loss, 51 quarterback hits, and 17.5 sacks in 110 games played. As one would expect, Alualu should play a huge factor in bringing “Sacksonville” back together.
Marvin Jones, WR
The most recent signing for the Jaguars comes on the offensive side of the football, as Marvin Jones signed a two-year, $14.5 million ($9.2 million guaranteed) deal with the team. Jones, who played under Jaguars OC Darrell Bevell in Detroit, reeled in 76 receptions for 978 yards and 9 TD’s last year. The 2012 fifth-round draft pick will add depth to a growing wide receiver core for the Jaguars.