Jaguars Reportedly Re-Signing Special Teams Ace Daniel Thomas
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made their first re-signing of the offseason.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars struck a deal with fifth-year safety Daniel Thomas to retain the special teams standout and backup safety.
Thomas, a fifth-year veteran and former Day 3 pick, has played 902 special teams for the Jaguars over the last four years. This includes 243 special teams snaps in 2023, good for 61% of the Jaguars' special teams snaps.
At the time of his season-ending injury, Thomas was tied for fifth in the NFL in special teams tackles with seven, which ranked first amongst all Jaguars players.
Thomas' most impactful play in 2023 was unquestionably an impact tackle he made on a punt in Week 15 vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Acting as a gunner, Thomas split a double team, fought his way back in-bounds, and then made a one-on-one tackle in space to prevent a gain on the return, which was a considerably big play since the Jaguars were backed up in their own end-zone.
"You just got to make your plays. We talk about making the plays that come to you and being where your feet are. When a play presents your way, you make that play. You get energy, you celebrate, we all celebrate, and we feed off that energy," Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen said the next day.
"We feed off that momentum and that’s what we need more of. On every side of it, DT [S Daniel Thomas] on the special teams play. That was a huge play, backed up on the three-yard line and to get a returner, he’s going against two people, to make a play for a zero-yard gain, that is an incredible play. That gave us momentum, so let’s feed off that energy."
