Mar 14, 2026
3 min read
James Gladstone told reporters that the draft compensation plan for the loss of free agents will allow the Jaguars to improve their roster this year.
Jaguars GM says draft picks due to lack of free agents
The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a long-term look at building a roster for the 2026 season and beyond, according to their general manager.
At the start of the NFL's free agency season, the Jaguars dealt more with players they lost than added.All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, and running back Travis Etienne went to the New Orleans Saints on a four-year, $52 million contract.
However, general manager James Gladstone told reporters that making very few moves is now part of the plan.
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#Jaguars GM James Gladstone says team is not in free agency because it wants compensation for players lost (Etienne, Lloyd).
Knowing they will get those picks will allow them to work in the trade and training camp and in the offseason.pic.twitter.com/YLU2Gm5Qec — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 12, 2026
"We're at a point now where we're chasing a large volume of draft capital with those compensatory picks," Gladstone said, via the 33rd team's Ari Merow.
Gladstone said these drafts don't just include players in 2027. Options in trades can be used to advance in the 2026 draft and help get players for this year's team during training camp or at the NFL trade deadline.
Under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, the league awards at least 32 additional draft picks to teams that lose certain players, coaches and managers.Teams that lose unrestricted free agents beyond those signings — or players with better value — are awarded picks in the third through seventh rounds of next year's draft.
The value of the salary options depends on the average annual value of the free agent signing, in addition to the percentage of catches the player makes on offense or defense and earns postseason honors, such as being named to the All-Pro team, according to Over the Cap.
Under that formula, the Jaguars are expected to receive a fourth-round pick for losing Lloyd, a fifth-round pick for Etienne to sign elsewhere and a sixth-round pick for Greg Newsome II to go to the New York Giants, all in 2027.
Jacksonville finally hit the market, re-signing cornerback Mantarik Brown for three years and $33 million, bringing back linebacker Dennis Gardek for two years and $6.5 million, and adding tight end Chris Rodriguez to a two-year, $10 million deal.
