Ranking Every Jaguars Free Agent by Importance of Re-Signing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to have big decisions in the coming weeks, and none are bigger than the ones in free agency.

But when the Jaguars and general manager James Gladstone take a hard look at their current free agents, which players should be near the top of their list to retain, and who should they let walk? We break it down below by importance of re-signing.

No. 1: Montaric Brown

Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown is, hands down, the most important player the Jaguars have to retain this offseason. He turned into a solid starter over the last two seasons and is the perfect No. 2 cornerback to accompany Travis Hunter in the secondary. If the Jaguars don't re-sign him, they will likely need to spend an early draft pick on a cornerback.

No. 2: Dennis Gardeck

The Jaguars don't have anyone else on the roster like Dennis Gardeck, nor is he expected to break the bank in free agency. Perhaps the Jaguars can develop Jalen McCleod as a long-term option, but he is a question mark. Gardeck gives them depth at SAM and 3rd-down edge rusher, something nobody else on this list does.

No. 3: Travis Etienne

The Jaguars did not franchise tag Travis Etienne earlier this week and he looks likely to hit free agency next week as a result. With that said, Etienne still ranks highly here because of his production last season and the value he would present if on the team next season.

No. 4: Devin Lloyd

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 41-7, capturing the AFC South title. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Devin Lloyd, like Etienne, is ranked this high because of what he did last year and what he could do again if retained. With that in mind, the Jaguars are better off letting another team pay him a top of the market deal.

No. 5: Tim Patrick

Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Jaguars traded a pick to add Tim Patrick to their roster last season, and perhaps they would be open to him returning for the right price. He got better as the year went on and is a great blocker.

No. 6: Andrew Wingard

Wingard certainly outplayed his role as an undrafted free agent and carved out a nice career in Jacksonville, but the Jaguars have young pieces at safety that deserve the snaps now.

No. 7: Greg Newsome II

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Newsome II (6) enters the stadium before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jaguars traded for Greg Nesome as a part of the Tyson Campbell trade, but his play was more up-and-down than anything else. He could net the Jaguars a comp pick if he walks for the right deal, too.

No. 8: Dawuane Smoot

A valuable member of the franchise for a long time, Smoot simply did not bring enough juice as a pass-rusher last year for the Jaguars to bring him back for the same role. They are better off getting younger here.

No. 9: Austin Johnson

Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Austin Johnson (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Jaguars signed Austin Johnson late last offseason to serve as a rotational run defender, and he did exactly that. With that said, he is an older player who does not offer much pass-rush value. He seems like an option to move on.

No. 10: Emmanuel Ogbah

Signed to be one of the team's top backup defensive ends last season, Emmanuel Ogbah quickly lost his role to rookie defensive ends Danny Striggow and B.J. Green after he proved to have lost a step or two as a pass-rusher.

No. 11: Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (5) pulls in a pass before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Jaguars put a lot of eggs into the Dyami Brown basket last season, but by midseason he was riding the bench. This is not a reunion waiting to happen.