Don Deal: The Jacksonville Jaguars are satisfied to officially welcome a free agent who has agreed to sign a five-year contract
The Jacksonville Jaguars don’t have an urgent need at safety this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they won’t make any adjustments at the position. Andre Cisco is a rising star for them, but there’s a chance that Rayshawn Jenkins, a veteran, won’t play out the final year of his 2022 contract. Although Jenkins’s cap hit is $12.5 million, his release would free up $5.4 million in available funds.
The front office will release Jenkins to give himself some breathing room because they need to fill a few gaps left by free agents. Should he depart, the Jaguars have the option to return Antonio Johnson to his natural position at safety. A hamstring injury forced Johnson, a fifth-round selection in the previous year’s draft, to postpone his NFL debut. However, once healthy, he assumed slot duty, replacing seasoned player Tre Herndon.
Despite Johnson’s success at nickel, the coaching staff should consider what he can accomplish at safety. However, if he stays in the slot, the Jaguars may then sign Darnell Savage as a free agent. The Green Bay Packers selected Savage in the first round of the 2019 draft. Over the past five years, he has made 72 appearances, 69 of which have been starts, recording nine interceptions and 32 passes defensed.
Savage is excellent in coverage but struggles when it comes to run defense. Savage may be able to stay in the backfield, where he is more effective, if the Jaguars are able to effectively rush the pass with just four defenders.
According to Pro Football Focus, the former Maryland Terrapin will sign a $10 million, two-year contract. If Jenkins were to depart, he would make an excellent (and cheap) replacement at $5 million annually.
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