Ranking Jaguars top 3 moves of NFL free agency
· Yahoo Sports
It's been a mostly quiet start to free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Chris Rodriguez being the only outside addition.
GM James Gladstone recently explained the reasoning behind this approach.
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However, we've also seen the Jaguars re-sign two of their own free agents, while a few others have signed with new teams.
Let's rank the top three moves -- or non-moves -- made by the Jaguars through the first week of NFL free agency.
3. Letting Travs Etienne sign elsewhere
Etienne was a big part of the Jaguars' success on offense last season. He rushed for over 1,100 yards, totaled 14 touchdowns, and was a good fit for Liam Coen's offense. Replacing that production and presence isn't always easy.
But with that said, with Etienne signing a four-year, $52 million deal, it was the right decision to let him go. In terms of total contract value, Etienne is now tied with Josh Jacobs as the highest-paid back in the NFL. By average annual value, he ranks ninth, and he's fifth in guaranteed money, according to OTC.
ESPN's Seth Walder placed Etienne in his "overrated" free agent category prior to free agency starting, noting that he generated just 44 yards over expected last season and wasn't on the field all that much on third-and-long situations. Running backs get paid to create and, ideally, can be on the field in any situation.
2. Signing Chris Rodriguez
The addition of Rodriguez gives the Jaguars added experience at the running back position, along with the opportunity to unlock some untapped potential that Rodriguez possesses.
Last season, his role within the Washington offense expanded as he carried the ball 112 times, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, not to mention that he was among the best in football in PFF's average yards after contact metric, illustrating his ability to make defenders miss.
Also of note, Rodriguez will be familiar with Coen and his offense, having played under him at Kentucky.
He can provide a complementary presence next to Bhayshul Tuten and didn't break the bank, signing a two-year, $10 million deal.
1. Re-signing Montaric Brown
Retaining Brown was important. For starters, Brown took a big step forward last season, showcasing his abilities to start on a weekly basis and perform at a high level while doing so. He allowed a completion rate of just 54% on 68 targets and held opponents to just 10.4 yards per catch.
Brown also flashed impressive ball production, coming away with two interceptions and forcing nine pass breakups.
But in addition to that, by re-signing Brown, the Jaguars will now enter the NFL draft with a lot more flexibility. No longer is addressing the cornerback position a must right away. James Gladstone can let the board dictate what he does.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL free agency: Best moves made by Jacksonville Jaguars