Report: Jaguars adding Kirk, Scherff, others as part of $230M Day 1 splash
The Jacksonville Jaguars came ready to spend at the outset of the NFL's free-agent negotiating period, dishing out nearly $229.5 million in reported deals on the first day.
Most notably, the Jaguars blew away any market expectations when giving former Arizona Cardinals wideout Christian Kirk on a mammoth four-year, $72-million deal that can reach $84 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The base annual average of $18 million makes Kirk one of the top 10 highest-paid receivers in football.
In another marquee move, the Jaguars landed former Washington Commanders offensive lineman Brandon Scherff on a three-year, $49.5-million contract, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Making just under $15 million per season, Scherff becomes the NFL's highest-paid right guard.
Former New York Giants tight end Evan Engram also intends to sign a one-year, $9-million contract with the AFC South club, reports Schefter.
And to round out the Day 1 moves on the offensive side, the Jaguars are adding another weapon in former Las Vegas Raiders wideout Zay Jones, who's getting a three-year deal worth $24M and up to $30 million with incentives, a source told Rapoport.
Jacksonville was also aggressive in bolstering its defense early in the day Monday, reportedly striking deals with former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun and ex-New York Jets defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.
Oluokun, a breakout star who led the NFL with 192 tackles in 2021, will sign a three-year, $45-million contract, according to Rapoport. Fatukasi, meanwhile, is joining on a three-year, $30-million pact, his agents told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Kirk, a second-round pick in the 2018 draft, put up personal bests in receptions (77) and receiving yards (982) while adding five touchdowns last season.
Scherff is the latest investment in an offensive line tasked with protecting rising quarterback Trevor Lawrence after Jacksonville franchise-tagged left tackle Cam Robinson earlier this month.
Washington tagged Scherff in back-to-back years before letting him hit free agency this offseason. The 2015 top-five pick has built a reputation as one of the league's best guards, receiving an invite to the Pro Bowl in three straight years and five of the last six.
Oluokun is coming off a career year with the Falcons after recording an NFL-high 192 tackles last season. Fatukasi should be the solid run-stopping defensive tackle the Jaguars need to fortify their front seven.
Jacksonville is headed into its first campaign under head coach Doug Pederson.
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