Big Cat Country
Do the Jags have the makings of a top-level cornerback room? The signs could be pointing towards yes.
The offense has been analyzed for the annual summer state of the roster series, so let’s dive into probably the most interesting position group for the Jacksonville Jaguars: cornerbacks.
The Jags made a big signing this free agent cycle by picking up former Dallas Cowboys standout Jourdan Lewis. Jacksonville also drafted WR/CB Travis Hunter to go along with longtime Jag Tyson Campbell and a handful of budding players like Jarrian Jones.
While Hunter may play mostly offense, this room should stand up against many as a fairly strong unit. Assuming Campbell’s health, this could be the best cornerback room the team has had in quite some time, especially considering the ails of last year’s unit.
Contract: Second year of a 4-year, $76,500,000 contract signed in 2024.
Age: 25 (26 in March)
Games Played: 55 across four seasons in Jacksonville.
Stats: Six career interceptions, 36 career PBUs. One interception since the start of the 2023 season.
Notes:
Campbell may be one of the trickiest players the Jags have overall. On one hand, he can be a shutdown corner like he showed in 2022 with career highs in picks (three) and passes defended (15). On the other hand, he has played just 23 games since that 17-game season quite some time ago. This June, PFF ranked all top NFL corners and listed Campbell at 27 right between Joey Porter Jr. and Lewis himself. That ranking could skyrocket with a clean season from Campbell. The high-dollar player has done well in a new defense, Liam Coen has said, so maybe a new coaching staff and a new look defense will be just what the doctor ordered for the Jags' marquee corner.
Contract: First year of a 3-year, $30,000,000 deal.
Age: 29 (30 in August).
Games Played: 115 across eight seasons with Dallas Cowboys.
Stats: 10 career picks, 44 career PBUs, 9.5 career sacks.
Notes:
In the nickel spot will be Lewis, heading into his ninth year in the league. Lewis is coming off by far his best year in the league with a career-best 71 tackles last season in Dallas. Lewis cashed in on that with his contract in Jacksonville, which made him the highest-paid nickel in the league. After a year where the Jags allowed the most passing yards per game in the league, Coen and company are hoping Lewis can replicate last year moving forward in Duval. Lewis had a strong 2023 campaign with three forced fumbles and five passes defended, so it seems that the Jags could have picked him up while he is peaking at the right time. If anything, we know Lewis is going to talk his shit.
Contract: Second year of a 4-year, $5,596,312 rookie contract.
Age: 24 (25 in May).
Games Played: 17 in rookie season.
Stats: 40 tackles, two sacks, one interception.
Notes:
Opposite of Campbell will likely be the second-year...
