The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed two young promising players while trying to replace a linebacker who ran 4.43 in the 40 yard dash.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed offensive lineman Timothy Mckay, and linebacker Baylon Spector. Jacksonville has also placed linebacker Parker Hughes on the injured reserve and waived tight end Ethan Conner.
McKay, who is from Long Island, NY, played at NC State from 2019-2024 playing in 55 games while starting in 34 games. He became a full starter in 2022 playing mostly guard and center. While at NC State he was a five-time ACC Academic Honor Roll honoree.
McKay went undrafted in 2025 and signed a free agent contract with the Washington Commanders. He was a member of their practice squad throughout the 2025 season until his release on August 8.
McKay signed with Jacksonville on August 17 and will try to find himself a roster spot in these last 10-14 days of training camp.
Spector was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 draft by the Buffalo Bills. Originally from Calhoun GA, Spector played his college ball at Clemson University and was a member of their national championship team in 2018 while at Clemson Spector was on the All-ACC Academic Team, and All-ACC in football.
While in Buffalo Spector totaled 55 tackles, one interception, and 1.5 sacks in his four seasons.
With the loss of Parker Hughes to injury, Spector will compete for a backup/special teams role in the final days of camp. He’s considered a veteran/experienced player going into year five of his NFL career.
Parker Hughes was a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The linebacker played his college ball at Middle Tennessee St and was Mr Football in the state of Tennessee during his senior year of high school in 2021.
Hughes has excelled in pass coverage during spring and at the beginning of training camp, showing off his 4.43 speed that initially interested NFL teams in the speedy linebacker. Injuries at the position appeared to increase the likelihood of Parker making the team, but now he must rehab and get ready for 2027.
Conner was the first tight end ever selected to the All-Sun Belt Conference team at Troy. In 2025 he started 14 games and had 31 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns. Following the 2026 draft, he signed as a free agent with Jacksonville. He was cut on August 17.
Jacksonville has two preseason games remaining against the Carolina Panthers and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Final cut day in the NFL is August 30.
