Jacksonville Jaguars
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The Jaguars made their first addition of free agency
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a busy first week of free agency; however, that has mostly been due to the departures surrounding the team.The team lost All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloydto the Carolina Panthers, as Lloyd signed a three-year, $45 million contract.
Additionally, the Jaguars also lost former first-round pick running back Travis Etienne, who signed afour-year, $52 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Both moves were somewhat expected as the Jaguars are in a difficult salary cap situation, and Etienne and Lloyd were both considered among the top free agents in this year’s class.
Now, the Jaguars have signed a running back following Etienne’s departure.
Jacksonville Jaguars Sign Chris Rodriguez
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal worth up to $12 million.
Rodriguez is coming off the most productive season of his career as he totaled 500 rushing yards on 112 carries. Throughout his career, Rodriguez has averaged 4.6 yards per carry. That mark is higher than former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, who has averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his career. Rodriguez had never started a game prior to the 2025 season, in which he started seven games for the Commanders.
Unfortunately, unlike Etienne, Rodriguez does not possess a dual-threat profile as he has only caught six passes in his career.Pro Football Focus graded Rodriguez as the 26th-best running back in the NFL out of 55 qualified players.
Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley gave the signing a ‘B+’ grade, he wrote, “Rodriguez Jr. is the style of back the Jaguars needed to add, he has history with Coen, is coming off a strong year, and has some really impressive metrics. This might not be a sexy signing, but it is hard to argue that it isn’t a good one.”
Thoughts on Signing
Regarding the positives on the signing, Shipley added, “The Jaguars certainly had a need at running back after losing Etienne to free agency. The Jaguars will now be expected to roll with Bhayshul Tuten as their No. 1 running back, with Rodriguez being able to fill a key role as part of the running back rotation — similar to his role with the Commanders once he got more playing time.”
On the negative side, Shipley wrote, “The Jaguars signed Rodriguez to a deal very similar to the ones Rico Dowdle and Tyler Allgeier. He signed for a bit less than both, so there is not much point in poking holes in the value the Jaguars signed him for. If there is one thing at all, it is the fact that he has had nonexistent value as a pass-catcher, and that seemed to be one reason they moved on from Tank Bigbsy.”
The Rodriguez signing marked the first addition by the Jacksonville Jaguars this season. Despite Etienne’s individual success, the Jaguars finished as a below average rushing team in rush-yards per game. Perhaps a more balanced approach with Rodriguez and Tuten can help bolster that area for Jacksonville.