By prioritizing massive extensions and key re-signings, Jacksonville doubles down on a proven core to transform elite statistical success into a disciplined, high-octane defensive powerhouse.
The Jacksonville Jaguars did not undergo major offseason roster changes, largely bringing back the same roster that is building continuity and helping shape the team's defensive identity.
Jacksonville spent most of its offseason re-signing players instead of overhauling the roster. Matt Dickerson (one-year, $1.45 million), Dennis Gardeck (two-year, $6.5 million) and Montaric Brown (three-year, $33 million) extended their tenures with the team.
The Jaguars also locked down their 2022 No. 1 pick, Travon Walker, with a four-year, $110 million contract extension. These players have one year under their belt with the team, especially under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
Campanile appeared on the "O-Zone" podcast by Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser and highlighted how the team's continuity is helping shape defensive identity.
"It gives you the opportunity to create more muscle memory," Campanile said on Tuesday. "This game is very much like that. We want guys with a black belt skill set and a white belt mindset, always looking to learn, always looking to get better. We say that a lot in the room and feel like we have a lot of guys like that."
"Black belt skill set and a white belt mindset" highlights the Jaguars' approach to the offseason. Jacksonville wants players who are experienced and still hungry to learn to improve their games.
Re-signing and extending players, alongside returners under contract, helps retain the much-needed experience that can elevate the defense to new heights. The draft and undrafted free agents add young talent who are hungry and eager to showcase growth and build long-lasting careers in the NFL.
Campanile helped Jacksonville become a good defense last season. They were the top run defense in the league, allowing the fewest yards at 85.6 per game, and had the eighth-best scoring defense, allowing 19.8 points.
He credited DaVon Hamilton's impact on the interior line, as his stats don't reflect his ability to muck up the opposition's rushing attack.
"He has a kind of dirty work job," Campanile said. "It's pretty impressive to watch a guy, you know, he gets double-teamed, then he comes up with a TFL. Like that's that's hard to do."
Hamilton, entering his seventh season with Jacksonville, posted a 61.1 run-defense grade via Pro Football Focus, ranking 42nd among 134 qualified defensive tackles.
The Jaguars' third-round pick in 2020 has been a steady presence on the interior line for the team. He's played 16 or more games in four of his six seasons and continues to be a significant impact player against the run.
Campanile highlighted Walker's importance to the defense because of his versatility, toughness and leadership.
"He kind of does everything from playing three-technique to four-eye to five-technique to nine-technique to dropping out to rushing the passer, you know, he does a whole lot," Campanile said. "There aren't many guys that I think you could ask, 'Hey, two gap to tackle and then drop to the flat and rush the passer on the next play.'"
Walker is a tough player who has played through various injuries and served as a key part of Jacksonville's defense. The 25-year-old recorded 42 pressures and 3.5 sacks last season, fighting through wrist and knee injuries.
In the 2024 and 2023 seasons, he totaled 20.5 sacks, showcasing his star-like impact. His versatility helps Campanile mix up the play calls on defense to confuse quarterbacks and attack an opponent's weakness.
Impact returners like Walker and Hamilton, alongside other players who re-signed in free agency, have strengthened the team's continuity heading into Year 2 under Campanile as the defensive coordinator.
Although Jacksonville lost Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers, Greg Newsome to the New York Giants and Andrew Wingard to the Arizona Cardinals, the Jaguars kept most of their roster intact.
Jacksonville kept players focused on finding ways to improve their games and build on their successes to become more confident and help the team become a great defense.
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