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After the Jaguars were able to sign core free agents A.J. Bouye, Calais Campbell, Barry Church, and special teamer/rotation end Lerentee McCray, many Jags fans are feeling very satisfied thus far in free agency. However, many fans were left with the same question: when would the Jaguars start addressing their offensive line? Well, it looks like we have the answer to that question now, even if it’s not an answer that we are overly familiar with.
Former #AZCardinals G Earl Watford will sign with the Jacksonville #Jaguars, pending physical, source said. 2-year deal for $6M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2017
We’re gonna be perfectly honest here: we’ve never really heard of Earl Watford. As Ian Rapoport notes, he is departing the Arizona Cardinals, much like Calais Campbell. Watford, who will be 27 when the season starts, was originally selected by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the much-maligned 2013 NFL Draft. Watford played his college ball at James Madison, where he was chosen as 1st Team All-Colonial Athletic Association as both a junior and a senior.
Our friends over at Revenge of the Birds detailed Watford being labeled as a free agent to avoid, and had this to say about the offensive lineman.
Many, myself included, were hoping to see Watford breakout in 2016, yet he never took that step.
He may, forever, be a backup, utility offensive lineman, not a guy who can start for you, more than a spot.
Which would explain why the Arizona Cardinals spent so much time giving other players, John Wetzel and Ulrick John, playing time over Watford.
So, from what it sounds like, this is probably nothing more than a depth signing with some potential upside. That’s not shocking, considering those are the kinds of signings you usually see on day three of free agency and beyond. If the Jaguars are to really address their offensive line this offseason, look for it to be in the draft.