Jacksonville Jaguars Secure Two Defensive Signings, Featuring S Adrian Amos Amid Wingard’s Recovery
In preparation for their upcoming preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jacksonville Jaguars are actively reshaping their lineup. The team made significant moves today by officially signing safety Adrian Amos and defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall.
Alongside these signings, the Jaguars have waived DT Adam Gotsis and placed CB Gregory Junior on waivers due to injury. Should Junior successfully clear waivers, he is slated to transition to the Jaguars’ injured reserve list.
Signing in Former Steelers DL Marshall
The team has yet to see movements in the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Odds with the addition of Marshall and Amos to its roster. But let’s talk about Marshall joining the Jaguars first. Selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round as the 207th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, Marshall made his rookie debut, appearing in four games and registering two tackles and one quarterback hit.
Following his initial season, Marshall transitioned to practice squad duties with the Jets in 2022 and later with the Steelers in 2022-23. Hailing from Sheperd, Texas, he showcased his talents at the University of Arkansas, participating in 45 games across four seasons from 2017 to 2020.
Known for his prowess as a true nose tackle with the requisite explosiveness and strength to excel as a run-stopper, Marshall has yet to fully showcase his potential on the field.
During the entirety of the 2023 season, Marshall remained on the Steelers’ practice squad without being elevated at any point. Despite the emergence of Keeanu Benton and the retention of Montravius Adams, signaling continuity at nose tackle for the Steelers in 2024, Marshall found himself on the roster bubble as the team prioritized creating space for a wide receiver.
Marshall’s retention in Pittsburgh post-signing stemmed from his versatility as reliable depth and his swift grasp of the defensive playbook, facilitated by its similarities to the Jets’ defensive scheme during his initial stint in New York.
Adrian Amos steps up to bolster Jaguars’ safety defense in Wingard’s absence
Stepping in to bolster the Jaguars’ safety unit in the absence of Wingard, Adrian Amos brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team. Amos, originally picked by Chicago in the fifth round at 142nd overall in the 2015 Draft, boasts an extensive career across various teams. He showcased his skills in 142 games, starting 125 for Chicago (2015-2018), Green Bay (2019-2022), the New York Jets (11), and Houston (2023).
Throughout his career, he has amassed impressive stats, including 650 tackles with 528 solo tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 49 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, 6.0 sacks, nine quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. In postseason play, he contributed in eight games with six starts, recording 29 tackles, 20 solo tackles, three interceptions, five passes defensed, and one quarterback hit.
Amos’s arrival provides crucial depth at safety for the Jaguars as Andrew Wingard recuperates from a knee injury. Head coach Doug Pederson has noted that Wingard is slated to miss a significant portion of training camp, making Amos’s presence all the more valuable for the team.
The Jaguars view Amos as a seasoned veteran who brings value in potential spot-starting roles, especially with the promising emergence of former third-round pick Andre Cisco fortifying their safety corps.
Adding to their safety reinforcements, the AFC South franchise recently secured a three-year, $21.8 million deal with Amos’ ex-Packers teammate, Darnell Savage, during the early part of this offseason.
This signing not only marks the second safety acquisition by an AFC South team this week but also signifies another instance of former teammates reuniting on the field. On another note, former Seattle defensive back Quandre Diggs sealed a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, rejoining forces with ex-Seahawks Pro Bowler Jamal Adams.
Parting Ways with Adam Gotsis
In a series of corresponding roster adjustments, the team has parted ways with defensive lineman Adam Gotsis and placed cornerback Gregory Junior on waivers with an injury designation. Junior is set to transition to the team’s reserve/injured list should he clear waivers.
Over the past four seasons, Gotsis has been a consistent presence for Jacksonville following his tenure in Denver. In 64 games, he started 26, showcasing his skills with the Jaguars by accumulating 109 tackles, including 16 for loss, nine defended passes, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Originally from Australia, Gotsis kickstarted his football journey in Greater Melbourne before securing a scholarship to Georgia Tech in 2012. His overall career statistics boast 218 tackles, 25 for loss, 10.5 sacks, 22 defended passes, and three forced fumbles.
Junior, who unfortunately sustained a knee injury during training camp, is set to transition to Jacksonville’s injured reserve list if he successfully navigates waivers. Drafted in the sixth round by the Jaguars in 2022, Junior has contributed 17 tackles and one defended pass across 10 games in his career.
Junior, drafted by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Ouachita Baptist, spent the entirety of the 2022 season on the team’s practice squad. In 2023, Junior primarily resided on the injured reserve list before being activated in November.
Wrapping Up
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant defensive moves with these changes in their roster. Alongside Amos, Jonathan Marshall adds strength to their defensive lineup, marking a strategic shift as they gear up for upcoming challenges. On the other side, the departure of Adam Gotsis and the injury designation for Gregory Junior, reflect the team’s commitment to refining their roster composition for optimal performance. With these signings and adjustments, the Jaguars are poised to strengthen their defense and boost their competitive edge as they approach the new season.
