The Jaguars took a dive back into the pro free agency well this week, adding two experienced players to the defense and one to the offense. First-year General Manager James Gladstone has operated very differently than prior Jaguars GMs, a change that is very welcome and that was much needed.
In years past, the Jaguars had a disgusting lack of depth on the EDGE behind the star duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. That should not be the case this year as the team brought in Linebacker/EDGE hybrid Dennis Gardeck, and brought back EDGE Dawuane Smoot.
Along with depth along the front seven, the Jaguars added depth to their Wide Receiver room in the form of former Bengal Trenton Irwin.
Lets dive into these new additions and discuss how they fit into the Jaguars 2025 plans.
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Dennis Gardeck
Dennis Gardeck heads to Jacksonville after 7 years in Arizona. He was a former team captain, who had an impact in a multitude of different positions over the years for the Cardinals. Gardeck found his most success from the hybrid Outside Linebacker and EDGE position. He did not get the opportunity to shine in this role until the 2020 season. That 2020 season saw Gardeck rack up 7 sacks in just 94 snaps. That 7 sack season remains his career high, but he has racked up a combined 9 sacks over the last 2 seasons. He is also a force against the run, racking up 23 tackles-for-loss over his time with Arizona. Gardeck has earned prominent playing time for 3 different coaching staffs in Arizona, which speaks to the work ethic and ability he brings to the table. Defense is not the only area of the game where his impact is felt, as he is also a high level special teamer. Along with his abilities on the field, he brings a hard working attitude and positive demeanor to the team. Gardeck is currently recovering from an ACL injury that was sustained in late October of last year. If healthy, he can add valuable depth to the Jaguars front seven, as well as be an impact player on special teams.
Dawuane Smoot
Dawuane Smoot returns to Jacksonville -where he spent the first seven years of his career- after a one year stint with the Buffalo Bills. Smoot was very successful as a rotational EDGE rusher over his time in Jacksonville. He is a well-rounded player who brings that coveted inside-outside versatility to the defensive line. Smoot currently holds the 10th spot on the Jaguars all time sack leaderboard, with a sack total of 23.5. Smoot pairs his pass rush chops with strong play as a run defender. He consistently racks up run stops evidenced by his 27 career tackles-for-loss. The resume alone makes this a good addition, but the impact Smoot brings in the form of leadership and culture in the locker room elevates this to a great addition. Smoot will add to the depth of the EDGE room alongside newcomer Emmanuel Ogbah. New addition Dennis Gardeck and rookie Jalen Mcleod will split their time between the Linebacker and EDGE rooms to round out the depth of a much deeper front seven.
Trenton Irwin
Trenton Irwin comes to Jacksonville after 6 years as a Cincinnati Bengal. Irwin’s NFL career got off to a slow start as he had only 3 receptions through his first three seasons. In years four and five, Irwin found his footing as a depth receiving option to the tune of 40 receptions for 547 yards and 5 scores across those two seasons. Irwin fell out of the Bengals rotation last year but has proven he is a more than capable depth wide receiver, who offers inside-outside flexibility and a gritty playstyle that shows up in his downfield blocking. The addition of Irwin adds fuel to the Jaguars depth receiver battle. The top four options are set, but wide receiver five -and potentially wide receiver six- is wide open. Many young players are fighting for that spot, but Irwin’s experience and veteran savvy may place him in a strong position to earn that valuable role.
Wrap-Up
Although these three additions won’t garner headlines or mainstream media attention, the moves will help round out the Jaguars roster. The injection of experienced depth was a great move by GM James Gladstone. As long as Gardeck returns healthy, I think all three of these players make the team’s final 53-man roster come September.
The fit and impact of these players is yet to be seen, but these moves further signify that Gladstone and this new regime will be active in continually adding talent to elevate the roster.
That’s all for today, thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more, as there is plenty of content still to come throughout the offseason.
Be sure to follow my coverage of all things Jaguars, and the NFL on X @JagsRealist
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