NFL Free Agency: Jaguars; Chargers Land J.C. Jackson; Bucs Plans Change

NFL free agency has yet to start but day one of legal tampering saw J.C. Jackson land with Chargers, Jaguars sign Christian Kirk, and more.

NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday at 4 pm ET but you wouldn’t believe it the way day one of the legal tampering period transpired. The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the most active teams, again, signing up just about every free agent wide receiver including handing Christian Kirk a massive deal that pays him $18 million a season.

The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other, continued to bolster their defense with the signing of Mr. INT, J.C. Jackson to add to a secondary that already features Derwin James.

Let’s take a bigger look at a busy day of NFL free agency.

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Chargers All-In, Land Cornerback J.C. Jackson

The Chargers believe their window to win a Super Bowl is now and they are going for it. Fresh off the heels of acquiring Khalil Mack from the Bears, Los Angeles continued to fatten their defense by adding former Patriots J.C. Jackson, the top cornerback on the market. Jackson earned the name “Mr. INT” for the very obvious reason… he creates ALOT of turnovers. And the bonus? He is an elite corner all-around unlike Tavon Diggs in Dallas. With Justin Herbert still on his rookie deal but playing like an elite seasoned veteran, the Chargers are maximizing their window and trying to pull away in the now ultra-competitive, ultra-talented AFC West.

Christian Kirk Lands Mega-Deal With Jaguars

The #Jaguars have signed WR Christian Kirk.#DUUUVAL #NFL pic.twitter.com/GFDkumV6mr

— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) March 14, 2022

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For the second straight season, the Jacksonville Jaguars went spending, adding several weapons for now second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Most notably, they handed form Cardinals receiver, Christian Kirk, a four-year deal worth up to $84 million. In four seasons in the league, Kirk has never surpassed 1,000 yards receiving and never had more than 77 receptions in a season. Over those four seasons, he averages about four touchdowns a game so the price tag seems a bit high but the Jaguars are likely paying for the future and not the past.

In addition to Kirk, the Jaguars also added former Raiders receiver Zay Jones, further bolstering the talent around Lawrence. They also hope the addition of former Washington Commanders guard Brandon Scherff further helps the growth of Lawrence who was under duress for much of his rookie season.

Buccaneers Free Agency Plans Change With Return Of Tom Brady

The Buccaneers free agency and offseason outlook took a dramatic shift on Sunday evening when quarterback Tom Brady announced he would indeed be returning for a 23rd season and that he will do so in Tampa Bay. Almost instantly, center Ryan Jensen, presumed a future former Buccaneer, re-signed with the team. In addition, another player once thought destined for a payday outside of Tampa, Carlton Davis, signed a three-year deal to return to the Buccaneers. Also, running back Leonard Fournette, who penned what many believed to be a “Goodbye, Tampa” post on Instagram, has deleted said post meaning many to believe that his plans may have changed as well. Then, of course, it is just a matter of time before Rob Gronkowski announces his return.

The bottom line, two days ago, Bucs media and fans were wondering what a season with Kyle Trask and/or Blaine Gabbert would look like. Best case scenario, they were imagining a strategy that would land them Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Now, just 24 hours later, the Buccaneers are prime Super Bowl contenders once again and one of the best teams in the NFC.

Tough decisions will have to be made, the Buccaneers have lost both starting guards. Alex Cappa signed a deal with the Bengals and Ali Marpet announced his retirement. One that is a tad bit more firm than Brady’s. In addition, guys like Ndamukong Suh remain a free agent and a key leader in the locker room and on the field so he is likely a priority moving forward. With the money being shelled out to receivers, it doesn’t seem likely that they will dip their toe in that water, however, adding to the depth could be a second-wave of free agency move for the Bucs.