The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced the signing of veteran cornerback Will Blackmon on Wednesday, as the team continues to churn the roster and add players. To make room for Blackmon on the roster, the team has released undrafted rookie corner Marcus Burley.
Blackmon, 28, marks the third player the Jaguars have added to the roster that have been released from the Seattle Seahawks this season, also adding linebacker Kyle Knox and safety Ray Polk, who's since been released.
While Blackmon signed with the Seahawks during the offseason after Gus Bradley took the Jaguars head coaching job, it's likely he's familiar with the player because of his ties to defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and head coach Pete Carroll. Blackmon had a nice preseason against for the Seahawks, including reportedly impressing the staff in training camp, so much so the team thought about trying to trade him because of the depth they had at the corner position.
Originally a fourth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, Blackmon has made his living in the NFL as a nickel cornerback and return man, both of which are areas that could help the Jaguars.
The likelihood of Blackmon making the roster will probably depend on how the team feels about guys like Kevin Rutland and Antwon Blake, as far as what they add to special teams, because Blackmon is a vested veteran so if he's kept on the Week 1 roster his salary is guaranteed for the season.
Given that the team snapped him up now instead of waiting however, might lend to him being someone they want to keep hold of for the regular season.