Jaguars DL Aaron Lynch set to come out of retirement

Today, the Jaguars announced that free agent signee, defensive lineman Aaron Lynch, is expected to unretire, officially removed from the team’s reserve/retired list and placed on the team’s exempt/commissioner list. Lynch originally retired on Aug. 17 of this year.

Prior to potentially re-joining the team, Lynch will have to undergo COVID-19 protocols and it will be at that point when Lynch can practice and the Jaguars will be able to make its decision on whether or not to roster the 27-year-old defensive lineman, according to the Associated Press’ Mark Long.

Lynch originally joined the team as an unrestricted free agent, signing a one-year deal in May. At 6-foot-6, 270 pounds, Lynch was expected to man the team’s “big end” position on the strong side of the defensive front. He has played for the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers during his time in the league.

The news of Lynch’s retirement came shortly after defensive lineman Rodney Gunter was unexpectedly forced to retire due to a heart condition that he made public in his announcement.

The Jaguars lost multiple players for various reasons along the defensive line this summer, including Lynch, Gunter, Lerentee McCray, Al Woods and Dontavius Russell (reserve/injured). Both Woods and McCray opted out of this season due to concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

In his career, Lynch has appeared in 73 career games (22 starts) and totaled 105 tackles, 20.0 sacks, 35 tackles for loss and 10 passes defensed.

The Jaguars are currently tied for dead last in sacks with the Carolina Panthers while having just five sacks on the year. If Lynch is to be on the team’s roster for the remaining 10 games of the season, the Jaguars will have to hope he can provide some sort of pass rush, or become a run stopper for the team along with defensive lineman Adam Gotsis.