Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the competitive landscape of NFL rosters, earning a starting spot requires a mix of consistency, versatility, and the ability to seize opportunities—and for Dennis Gardeck, that moment has arrived. The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially named Gardeck their starting strongside linebacker ahead of Week 14, a promotion that comes after the veteran spent the first 13 weeks of the season contributing primarily on special teams and as a rotational defender. Gardeck, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency this offseason after six years with the Arizona Cardinals, has long been respected around the league for his work ethic and knack for disruptive plays, but he’s often flown under the radar as a reserve. Now, with injuries sidelining starting linebacker Devin Lloyd for at least two weeks, Gardeck’s chance to step into a full-time role is a testament to his patience and preparation. Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a roster update; it’s a story of perseverance, highlighting how a player’s commitment to improvement can turn a backup role into a starting opportunity.

A closer look at Gardeck’s performance this season reveals why Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars is a well-deserved promotion. Though he’s played just 28% of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps, Gardeck has made every rep count: he’s recorded 23 total tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 quarterback hits—impressive numbers for a rotational player. What stands out most is his efficiency as a pass rusher: Gardeck ranks 12th among NFL linebackers in pressure rate (18.2%), meaning he generates pressure on nearly one in five of his pass-rushing attempts. His most memorable play came in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans, where he strip-sacked quarterback Will Levis in the fourth quarter, setting up the Jaguars’ game-winning touchdown. Beyond the stats, Gardeck has earned praise from coaches for his football IQ—he rarely makes mental errors, and he’s mastered the Jaguars’ defensive scheme faster than many expected. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell noted, “Dennis is the kind of player who shows up every day ready to work. He knows every position in our linebacker room, and he’s always prepared to step in—this promotion is a reward for that dedication.” Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects not just his on-field production, but his reputation as a reliable, high-IQ player the coaching staff trusts.

Gardeck’s journey to a starting role is marked by resilience, a theme that adds depth to Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars. Undrafted out of Sioux Falls in 2018, Gardeck began his NFL career on the Cardinals’ practice squad, spending his first two seasons bouncing between the practice squad and active roster. He didn’t earn a full-time spot until 2020, when he emerged as a special teams standout and occasional pass-rushing specialist. A torn ACL in 2022 threatened to derail his progress, but Gardeck worked tirelessly during his recovery, returning in 2023 to record a career-high 4 sacks. When he signed with the Jaguars this offseason, he knew he’d likely start as a reserve, but he approached every practice like he was fighting for a starting job. He stayed late to work on his run-stopping technique with linebackers coach Tony Gilbert, studied film with veteran linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and volunteered for extra special teams reps to stay sharp. “I’ve never taken a single opportunity for granted,” Gardeck said in a recent interview. “Every time I step on the field, I want to prove I belong—and that mindset hasn’t changed, even now that I’m starting.” Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is more than a career milestone; it’s a validation of the grind that defines undrafted players’ paths to success.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive scheme is a perfect fit for Gardeck’s skill set, making Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars a strategic win for the team. Caldwell’s system emphasizes versatility, asking linebackers to excel in run defense, pass coverage, and pass rushing—and Gardeck checks all three boxes. As a strongside linebacker, he’ll line up opposite tight ends and offensive tackles, using his strength (240 lbs) to hold up against run blocks and his quickness to rush the passer off the edge. His experience as a special teams ace has also honed his ability to read plays quickly, a trait that will help him in coverage against slot receivers and tight ends. The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled at times this season with pass-rushing production from their linebackers, and Gardeck’s 3 sacks in a reserve role suggest he can help fill that gap. Caldwell plans to use Gardeck in “blitz packages” alongside defensive ends Josh Allen and Travon Walker, creating a three-pronged pass rush that could overwhelm opposing offensive lines. “Dennis gives us a different dynamic at linebacker,” Caldwell said. “He can do it all, and that flexibility makes our defense harder to game-plan against.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just promoting a player—they’re enhancing their defensive versatility, a key factor in their playoff push. Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars thus aligns with the team’s goal of building a balanced, disruptive defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ veteran leaders have embraced Gardeck’s promotion, highlighting the team’s culture of supporting hard work— a dynamic that strengthens Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars. Oluokun, the Jaguars’ starting middle linebacker and defensive captain, has been a mentor to Gardeck since he joined the team, and he’s thrilled to see his teammate earn a starting role. “Dennis is the heart and soul of our linebacker room,” Oluokun said. “He’s the first one here and the last one to leave, and he’s always willing to help the younger guys. This promotion is well-deserved, and I can’t wait to play alongside him every snap.” Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, another team leader, echoed that sentiment, noting that Gardeck’s energy is contagious. “When Dennis is on the field, everyone plays harder,” Hamilton said. “He brings that intensity every single play, and that lifts the whole defense up.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room has a history of celebrating teammates’ successes, and Gardeck’s promotion has been met with cheers and high-fives at practice this week. This camaraderie isn’t just feel-good—it translates to on-field success, as players who trust and support each other tend to communicate better and play more cohesively. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus are not just gaining a starting linebacker; they’re reinforcing a team culture that values effort and unity. Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is a win for both the player and the team’s collective spirit.

Looking ahead, Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars carries significant implications for the Jaguars’ playoff hopes, as the team fights to climb the AFC South standings. With Lloyd sidelined, the Jaguars needed a reliable replacement at strongside linebacker—and Gardeck’s promotion ensures they won’t suffer a drop-off in production. The Jaguars’ remaining schedule includes tough matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, teams with strong rushing attacks and dynamic tight ends—areas where Gardeck’s run-stopping and coverage skills will be critical. If Gardeck can maintain his rotational production in a starting role (or even build on it), the Jaguars’ defense could become even more disruptive, helping the team secure the wins needed to reach the playoffs. For Gardeck himself, this opportunity is a chance to prove he’s more than a reserve or special teams player—he’s a full-time NFL starter. “I know this is just the beginning,” Gardeck said. “I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I’m going to work even harder to help this team win.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus have every reason to be optimistic about their new starting linebacker, as he brings a combination of skill, grit, and determination that could help push the team over the edge in the playoff race. Dennis Gardeck Earns Starting Linebacker Nod for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just a one-week story—it’s a potential turning point in both Gardeck’s career and the Jaguars’ season.