Jaguars sign former 49ers, Bears OLB Aaron Lynch

The Jaguars have signed a familiar face to at least one of the team’s player personnel staff members. After waiving defensive end Chuck Harris yesterday, the Jaguars announced today they have signed former San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears outside linebacker Aaron Lynch. It will be a one-year deal.

Lynch was originally drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, selected by former 49ers general manager, and current Jaguars director of player personnel Trent Baalke.

Since being drafted in 2014, Lynch, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, has started 22 games (played in 73), accumulating 105 tackles (88 solos), 36 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, and 63 quarterback hits. His most productive years came with the 49ers over the first two years of his career as he tallied 12.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 35 quarterback hits over that span.

Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell have repeatedly stated over the past month that the team will be using much more 3-4 defensive principals this season, and Lynch fits the bill. As a 3-4 outside linebacker in both spots he has been in, Lynch excels most when standing up to rush the passer than anything else.

Because he is listed at around 270 pounds, it is possible the Jaguars can use him as a defensive end along with his role at outside linebacker, adding more versatility to the team’s defense on Sundays.

The Jaguars roster currently stands at the maximum 90 players. The team began their virtual offseason last week.