JAGUARS ADD RODNEY GUNTER, BRING BACK TYLER SHATLEY — WHAT DO THEY BRING TO THE TABLE?

Rodney Gunter (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)

The Jaguars added a versatile defensive lineman and brought back a valuable backup offensive lineman. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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After dropping a bombshell on the rest of the league by trading Nick Foles to the Bears for a fourth-round compensatory pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jaguars stayed active, signing two more players.

Jacksonville agreed to a three-year contract with Rodney Gunter. The former Arizona Cardinals' defensive lineman will make an average of $6 million per year during his time in Jacksonville. At 28 years old, Gunter should have at least two strong years of football left in him. 

He's had his best two seasons in the NFL over the last two in Arizona, where he played end in a 3-4 and also rushed the passer from the interior. Over the previous two seasons, Gunter has racked up 53 QB pressures, 7.5 sacks, and 75 tackles. He essentially played the same role for the Cardinals that Calais Campbell did before coming to Jacksonville. Fittingly enough, that's who he'll likely be aiming to replace in the Jaguars' lineup. When the Jaguars traded Calais to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick, that immediately created a hole at their "big end" spot. Gunter will look to fill that role. At six-foot-five and 305-pounds, he's got the girth to hold up against the run on the edge and in the middle. But he may not be a shoe in to start. Dawuane Smoot picked up his play in 2019, with six sacks and 17 tackles, and could make a run at the starting job. Gunter should be able to find his way onto the field plenty, whether that's as the starting big end or as a pass-rushing defensive tackle. 

The Jaguars also brought Tyler Shatley back into the fold on a one-year deal worth just about $1.5 million. Shatley has been a utility back up for the Jaguars across the interior of their offensive line since 2014. He's made starts at center and guard. With 15 total starts for the Jaguars, Shatley has plenty of experience to lean on. He's never developed into a player the Jaguars would feel comfortable starting on a regular basis. But he's as valuable as they come as a versatile backup along their interior. 

Stay tuned for more!

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