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The Jaguars will be signing former San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller, the team announced today. The team has also waived UDFA FB Connor Slomka.
We have signed FB Bruce Miller (@brucemilleriii) and waived rookie FB Connor Slomka.
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 15, 2020
Miller started in 47 games for the 49ers from 2011-2015. In college he played defensive end and is @UCF_Football's all-time sack leader. pic.twitter.com/aNYKy8L6nF
Miller, 6-foot-1, 254 pounds, hasn’t been in the NFL since 2016. At the time, Miller attempted a switch to tight end to better fit into former 49ers head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.
Miller, 33, was originally drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft under general manager Trent Baalke, who now holds the position of director of player personnel with the Jaguars.
The 49ers would release Miller in 2016 after he was arrested and accused of assaulting a man and his 70-year-old father at a hotel in San Francisco. Nothing would come of the incident, however, as those charges would later be dropped and there are no further charges pending.
In his career, Miller has logged 76 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns. He’s carried the football 28 times for 62 yards and one touchdown. According to Pro Football Focus, Miller has earned a run blocking grade of 67.3 or higher since 2011, including a career-high 89.1 in 2012.
On Monday, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone spoke about the importance of a modern fullback in today’s NFL, citing the need for versatile players who also can contribute on game day, not only on offense, but on special teams when asked about the signing of Slomka and his fit into offensive coordinator Jay Gruden’s offense.
“Now, if it’s that type of player, you’ve got to ask yourself, what are we getting out of that player from the standpoint of the passing game? What are we getting out of that player from a standpoint of special teams? Connor has that ability, he’s tough, he can run well, he does have some ball skills,” Marrone stated.
“So, those are the keys for him going at that position. The other thing you look at is okay, you understand that goal line, short yardage, or maybe some situations you’re going to have to bring someone over and those snaps during the year, when you look at it from a percentage standpoint, are low. “
The Jaguars opted to not use a fullback in last year’s offense, however, running back Leonard Fournette still posted his best season yet, rushing for 1,152 yards. Miller will likely vie on special teams and be used as a pass-catcher out of the Jaguars’ backfield, along with some lead-blocking duties on the goal line.