Trending Now - Jaguars Focus on Compensatory Picks in Free Agency Strategy
WHO:
James Gladstone, General Manager of the Jaguars
Devin Lloyd, linebacker signed with the Carolina Panthers
Travis Etienne, running back signed with the New Orleans Saints
Greg Newsome, cornerback signed with the New York Giants
Andrew Wingard, safety signed with the Arizona Cardinals
WHAT:
The Jaguars are prioritizing compensatory picks in free agency.
The Jaguars project to receive three compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft: a fourth-round pick for Devin Lloyd, a fifth-round pick for Travis Etienne, and a sixth-round pick for Greg Newsome.
James Gladstone stated, “We’re at a stage now where a higher volume of draft capital is what we’re hunting, and those compensatory picks.”
The Jaguars signed only one unrestricted free agent, Chris Rodriguez Jr., from the Washington Commanders.
WHERE:
Jacksonville, Florida (home of the Jaguars)
Carolina (for Devin Lloyd), New Orleans (for Travis Etienne), New York (for Greg Newsome), Arizona (for Andrew Wingard)
WHEN:
The 2026 NFL League Year began on March 11th, 2026.
The Jaguars are expected to receive compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
WHY:
The Jaguars aim to build draft capital and flexibility for future trades by not signing outside free agents.
James Gladstone mentioned that high-priced free agents signed elsewhere, stating, “They did their part to put themselves in really sound positions to earn that.”
HOW:
The Jaguars are focusing on acquiring compensatory picks by allowing their free agents to sign with other teams without signing equivalent free agents themselves.
Gladstone explained that having more draft picks allows for flexibility in acquiring players throughout the year, referencing past trades for wide receivers Tim Patrick and Jacoby Meyers.
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 13:20 UTC)
In a strategic move, the Jacksonville Jaguars are focusing on building their draft capital by allowing several key players to sign with other teams, including linebacker Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers and running back Travis Etienne to the New Orleans Saints. General Manager James Gladstone stated that this approach is aimed at securing three compensatory picks for the 2027 NFL Draft, which would include a fourth-round pick for Lloyd, a fifth-round pick for Etienne, and a sixth-round pick for cornerback Greg Newsome, who signed with the New York Giants. The Jaguars have only signed one unrestricted free agent, Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the Washington Commanders, as they prioritize flexibility for future trades and roster improvements.