The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to add reinforcements to their wide receiver corps in free agency. Instead of going for some of the big names, they gave Dyami Brown a one-year deal worth $10 million. The decision raised eyebrows because he was a non-factor in his NFL career until last year, and even then, it wasn't until late in the season that he put it all together. Nevertheless, the Jags bet on his immense upside. It looks like they were right.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reports that, whereas Travis Hunter is making the adjustment to the NFL, Brown was a standout in Organized Team Activities.
"The player who had the best performance on Monday? Free agent wide receiver Dyami Brown, who is in his first year with the Jaguars after signing a one-year deal in the offseason," Shipley said. "Running alongside the likes of Thomas and Hunter, Brown made it clear that defenses will not be able to afford consider him an afterthought."
Shipley continued, "Brown displayed crisp routes, was one of the few receivers who did not deal with drops, and made explosive plays both through the air and on designated touches as a ball-carrier. Brown earned some big praise post-practice from Liam Coen and Grant Udinski, and it is clear why."
A third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2021, Brown hauled in a measly 29 receptions for 476 yards with three touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons. He also got off 2024 to a slow start, but something clicked as the year progressed. Then, the playoffs came, and the North Carolina product reeled in 14 catches for 229 yards with one touchdown.
You could make the case that Brown got at the right time, because his strong outing to finish 2024 helped him get paid. The Jags, for their part, aren't worried that he's a one-year wonder and fully expect him to be a key cog on offense next season.
Based on Shipley's notes, Brown could have an immediate impact in Jacksonville. In fact, it's too early to tell how the depth chart will look come Week 1, but it wouldn't be shocking if he starts the year opposite budding star Brian Thomas Jr.
Why Dyami Brown could be the Jaguars X Factor on offense in 2025
You could argue that the Jacksonville Jaguars paid retail for Dyami Brown because he didn't produce for most of the past two years. But they're not focused on that and instead expect him to play like he did to end 2024. With Brian Thomas Jr. drawing away every team's best cornerback, Brown should face plenty of opportunities to make plays.
It's also worth noting that, as "overpaid" as Brown looks, his one-year deal will incentivize him to post even better numbers so he can get an even bigger contract in 2026. On paper, that's a great plan: Bring him in while Travis Hunter gets acclimated to the pros, and let him leave next year. By then, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner will have hit his stride.
The bottom line is that signing Dyami Brown was a low-risk, high-reward move for the Jaguars. It's just a small sample in OTAs, but it looks like they're going to cash big.
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