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The Jaguars continue to add depth and disruption along the defensive front, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Jacksonville is signing former Ravens DE Jihad Ward.
Former #Ravens DE Jihad Ward is signing with the #Jaguars, source said. His DL coach in Baltimore Joe Cullen is now the Jags DC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Ward was a rotational defensive lineman for the Ravens who had eight career sacks in five seasons, but also adds 30 QB hits. In Baltimore, Ward’s defensive line coach was Joe Cullen, who is now the Jaguars defensive coordinator. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh has spoken glowingly of Ward in previous years, often calling Ward his “favorite player.” “When we come in on Monday morning after we play, he’s the first guy in the weight room,” Harbaugh told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “That’s pretty impressive for a guy who played all those snaps because all I did was stand on the sideline and watch,” he continued.
Ward will provide another depth piece for a defensive front that seems to lean more towards disruption than just one-on-one dominance. A versatile player, Ward could play all along the defensive front, and cause havoc in Cullen’s scheme.