Jaguars sign 18 undrafted free agents as coaches assess roster depth ahead of training camp
Following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed 18 undrafted free agents, with specific focus on cornerback, defensive tackle, and running back positions
The Jacksonville Jaguars have completed their initial roster expansion by signing 18 undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL draft. Head coaches James Gladstone and Liam Coen have immediately begun the process of assessing these new signings alongside existing roster members to determine the final 53-man squad. This evaluation phase is set to continue through upcoming offseason programs and training camp, where the ultimate roster decisions will be made.
While the team has secured a significant number of new players, the primary focus remains on identifying which individuals can secure a place on the final roster. Previous undrafted rookies Danny Striggow and BJ Green successfully made the Jaguars' initial 53-man roster in the prior year, setting a precedent for the potential of this incoming class. However, the current cohort faces a competitive environment where performance during the upcoming summer will carry the most weight in the decision-making process.
Analysis of the depth chart suggests that the cornerback position may have an open sixth spot available. Established players Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, and Jarrian Jones currently hold the top four spots, while Christian Braswell is viewed as a probable make but not a guaranteed roster lock. This structural opening places Jourdan Lewis and Montaric Brown in direct competition for the final cornerback spot against established veterans, including Jarrian Jones and Christian Braswell.
Defensive tackle depth presents a similar scenario, with four roster spots currently accounted for by Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Albert Regis, and Ruke Orhorhoro. The fifth and potential sixth spots appear available, creating a competition between veteran Matt Dickerson and undrafted rookie Hunt. Hunt, listed at 315 pounds, previously played versatile roles at defensive end and interior for Cincinnati, recording a career-high 22 pressures and three sacks in 2025.
The running back group is noted as unusually deep for the NFL, with the team carrying four backs last season compared to the league norm of three. Undrafted rookie Taylor is being assessed for a potential roster spot given the team's historical willingness to carry extra backs. Taylor was a significant factor in the passing game last season, recording 128 targets over four seasons, with 54 of those occurring in 2025.
As the evaluation period commences, the Jaguars must balance the upside of young talent against the need for immediate roster stability. The final determination of the 53-man roster will not be confirmed until the conclusion of the training camp, leaving the fate of these 18 undrafted signings to be decided by their performance in the coming weeks.
