Jaguars Winners and Losers Through 24 Hours of Free Agency

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The first 24 hours of the 2026 free agency period have passed.

As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars and general manager James Gladstone have been relatively quiet outside of a few key re-signings. So, who are the winners and losers of the first 24 hours of Jaguars free agency?

Winners

Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr.

Dec 14, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) runs the ball against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

This one is clear after the Jaguars saw former No. 1 running back Travis Etienne sign a new deal with the New Orleans Saints. The Jaguars still have options at running back that could consist of a veteran option in free agency or a draft pick, but the clear winners of Etienne's decision are incumbent running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. Until the Jaguars make a move, Tuten is RB1 and Allen will have a promoted role.

James Gladstone

Through the first 24 hours of free agency, James Gladstone was able to keep two important free agents in Montaric Brown and Dennis Gardeck; Brown particularly appeared to have signed a very team-friendly deal. On top of that, the Jaguars are currently in line to grab three extra draft picks as a result of the compensatory draft formula and the departures of Etienne, Greg Newsome, and Devin Lloyd.

Anthony Campanile

Yes, the Jaguars lost Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers at a lower price than I think most anticipated. But the Jaguars still managed to bring back two important defenders in Montaric Brown and Dennis Gardeck, meaning defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will get another year with each defender after they had strong seasons last year.

Backup linebackers

Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) after the game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

With Devin Lloyd off to the Panthers, the Jaguars now have a hole on the depth chart. Perhaps the Jaguars add another linebacker via the draft or free agency, but if not then they will see either Ventrell Miller or Jack Kiser land an enhanced role. After seeing what Campanile did with Lloyd last year and Quay Walker the year before, this could be a boon for either.

Losers

Outside free agents

Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli and general manager James Gladstone look on after the game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

The days of the Jaguars winning the offseason appear to be over, and they have deferred that title to franchises like the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders. The Jaguars are building their team the right way, but it appears they are no longer a franchise that free agents can consistently draw overpriced contracts from.

Cap Space

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone speaks during a press conference next to head coach Liam Coen at the Miller Electric Center, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This is the big reason the Jaguars have not been more active to this point. The Jaguars have made a few minor moves to clear cap space, but there is a good chance the bulk of that money will go toward Brown and Gardeck.