JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In 2016 the Jacksonville Jaguars finished sixth in the NFL in yards allowed per game (321.7 yards per game). With the additions of CB A.J. Bouye, Safety Barry Church, and DE Calais Campbell in free agency they expect to be even better in 2017. The trio will cost the Jaguars more than $150 million.
“The way you have sustained success in the league is through the draft, said Jaguars General Manager Dave Caldwell. “We wanted to fill gaps through free agency and we feel we’ve done that.”
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Bouye, agreed to a five-year deal worth $67.5 million, with $26 million guaranteed, and will be paired with Jalen Ramsey at the opposite corner. Having two top end cover guys gives the Jaguars more flexibility on defense.
Caldwell said that by having both Bouye and Ramsey, opposing teams will have to pick their poison and it will also give their pass rush more time to get to the quarterback. Playing against Ramsey two times this past season, Bouye is confident that the duo can become of the top cornerback tandems in the NFL.
“I became a fan early of Ramsey,” said Bouye. “He has the talent to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league.”
Flexibility was also a key factor in the Jaguars adding Church at safety. Instead of being a traditional in the box strong safety, the Jaguars feel that Church will be able to play either safety position. On some plays he’ll be closer to the liner scrimmage and on other plays free safety Tashaun Gipson will be in the box.
“I'll be switching back and forth with [Tashaun] Gipson,” said Church. “We will be interchangeable and that will throw teams off.”
Although the Jaguars have consistently added talent through free agency it hasn’t led to wins. Church thinks that will change this coming season.
“We have the talent to do great things. It looks good on paper but we have to put in the work.”