Jaguars officially agree to terms with TE Tyler Eifert, contract details reported

The Jaguars have a new tight end in former Bengals player Tyler Eifert. After officially agreeing to terms one a reported 2-year, $15.5 million contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Jacksonville has ensured a key piece of depth among one of the most troubled position groups on the team last season.

While the initial contract numbers may be staggering for a tight end has missed nearly half of his potential regular-season games during his career (53/112), AP’s Mark Long reported yesterday the contract is heavily incentivized. The details of those extensions have yet to be reported, however incentives can include anything from playing time to overall production.

The Jaguars are taking a gamble on the former Pro Bowler due to his production early on in his career, along with the relationship he and Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden have had in the past.

Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone released a statement on Eifert agreeing to terms earlier today.

“Tyler is a proven contributor in this league, and we’re excited to add him to our team,” Marrone said via a statement released by the team.

“He has shown the ability to be a playmaker in the passing game, especially in the red zone, while also adding immense value as a blocker in the run game. I expect him to make us more efficient and productive on the offensive side of the ball, and after speaking with Tyler, I know he’s eager for this opportunity.”

In his career, Eifert has accumulated 185 receptions for 2,152 yards, and 24 touchdowns. The bulk of his production came during his 2015 season in which the former eighth-year pro accumulated 52 receptions for 615 yards, and 13 total touchdowns.

According to Pro Football Focus, in 112 pass blocks, Eifter surrendered zero pressures, sacks, or quarterback hits, earning him a blocking score of 79.6 — the best in his career thus far.

Adding Eifert leaves the Jaguars with five tight ends currently on t he roster, Eifert, James O’Shaughnessy, Josh Oliver, Charles Jones and Matt Sokol. O’Shaughnessy and Oliver finished the year on the team’s reserve/injured list.

While the Jaguars have done well in addressing one of their major concerns on offense, the team will need to continue to bolster the group with talent via the 2020 NFL Draft. Injuries have not gone in the team’s favor in the past, and Eifert is no exceptions.

Still, the Jaguars signed one of the more productive and talented tight end’s in free agency this offseason, and hopes he can have a repeat last season by playing and being productive in all 16 games.