JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to be one of the biggest buyers when the NFL free agency period officially opens at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.
According to reports, though, they team may already have landed their guy.
CBS Sportsline and NFL.com say the team has agreed to terms with Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas. He has 108 catches for 1,277 yards and 24 touchdowns the past two seasons.
Former Jaguars All-Pro offensive tackle Tony Boselli believes Thomas will be a great weapon for young quarterback Blake Bortles.
"He can stretch the field. He's fast, he's a match-up nightmare for a linebacker or safety. He's very effective in the pass game. Not as good a blocker as a Marcedes Lewis, but an outstanding guy in the receiving game," Boselli told Channel 4's Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show.
Thomas' contract is said to be worth $9 million a year.
The Jaguars are also trying to shore up their offensive line with the reported signing of Dallas OT Jeremy Parnell. He has only started 9 games in his career and was a back-up for the Cowboys last season, but Boselli said he's not worried about the lack of game experience.
"I think a lot of guys develop at that position, it takes a little more time. And he was very well coached in Dallas, and was arguably the best offensive line in football last year, and when he came in he performed."
Parnell's deal is said to be for $32 million over 5 years with $13 million being guaranteed.
Boselli also said he thinks the Jaguars will bring in a veteran wide receiver and safety but expects the team to address that position in April's NFL Draft.