Ahead of the commencement of free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars have come to terms with former Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse on a contract spanning two years, worth $10.5 million. A source familiar with the negotiations revealed to The Associated Press on Monday that $7 million of the contract is guaranteed.
Morse, who is set to turn 32 next month, was released by the Buffalo Bills recently as part of a move to create salary cap space, culminating his five-season tenure with the team. Notably, he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and brings with him a wealth of experience from his nine-year career, which includes four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he started in 126 games.
Following his release, Morse had the liberty to explore various options before free agency officially began. After a visit to Jacksonville over the weekend, Jaguars’ general manager Trent Baalke moved swiftly to extend an offer to Morse.
The acquisition of Morse is anticipated to bolster the Jaguars’ offensive line immediately, addressing concerns over the performance of third-year player Luke Fortner, particularly against tough NFL nose tackles. With Morse’s addition, the Jaguars shore up their starting offensive line in preparation for both free agency and the upcoming NFL draft.
The envisioned starting offensive line now comprises left tackle Cam Robinson, who is in the final year of his contract, left guard Ezra Cleveland, who secured a three-year, $28.5 million deal last week, right guard Brandon Scherff, who restructured his contract to alleviate his cap hit, and right tackle Anton Harrison, a first-round draft pick in 2023.
Furthermore, the Jaguars acquired New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming draft. Jones will vie with C.J. Beathard for the backup position behind Trevor Lawrence.
With their offensive lineup seemingly solidified, the Jaguars enter free agency with minimal gaps to fill on offense. Their primary focus might now shift to finding a replacement for receiver Calvin Ridley, should he choose to sign elsewhere.
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