The dizzying pace at which the new Jacksonville Jaguars’ regime has begun flipping the roster over the past week means nothing. Not yet, anyway. What coming to contract terms with nine players on the first day of the NFL free agency negotiating period does mean is head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone were ready to swiftly execute a specific plan. Yes, they put a pretty good dent in the Jaguars ’ $60 million-plus worth of salary cap space. But, as history indicates, spending isn’t the same as winning. So let’s reserve judgment on whether it translates into this franchise significantly ascending. Until we see pricey acquisitions like cornerback Jourdan Lewis (three years, $30 million), versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (three years, $37 million), safety Eric Murray (three years, $22.5 million) and center Robert Hainsey (three years, $21 million) being difference-makers on the field, who knows if throwing money at a pathetic defense and shaky O-line will improve the product. Or if Lewis becomes the slot corner as expected, does that mean the Jaguars think Jarrian Jones would make a smooth transition to the outside corner opposite Tyson Campbell? So many chess pieces to move around and hope it all works. The Jaguars made a mad one-day dash that nearly eclipsed the largest free agent classes in team history, with only 2021 (10 players), 2011 (10 players) and 1995 (12 players) having more quantity. While this might end up being the biggest free-agent haul when the Jaguars are done opening owner Shad Khan’s checkbook, the more intriguing storyline is what a relatively inexperienced coaching staff can do with this expensive collection of veteran talent.
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