Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record

After a dismal 2024 season that saw the Jacksonville Jaguars finish with a 4-13 record—their worst since 2020—the franchise has entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: rebuild key position groups, address longstanding weaknesses, and lay the groundwork for a return to playoff contention. The 4-13 mark wasn’t just a statistical low; it exposed critical flaws across the roster, from an inconsistent offensive line that allowed 52 sacks (third-most in the NFL) to a secondary that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed per game. To turn things around, the Jaguars’ front office, led by general manager Trent Baalke, has adopted a two-pronged approach: signing proven veterans in free agency to plug immediate gaps and using high draft picks to secure long-term talent. Every addition—whether a defensive tackle, a right tackle, or a slot cornerback—has been tied to fixing the specific issues that derailed last season. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus isn’t just a headline about roster changes; it’s a commitment to accountability and improvement, as the team seeks to erase the memory of a forgettable year.

A closer look at the Jaguars’ 4-13 struggles reveals why their offseason additions have been so targeted—and why Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record is more than a vague goal. Offensively, the line’s inability to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence was a fatal flaw: Lawrence was sacked once every 8.3 pass attempts, forcing him to rush throws and leading to 17 interceptions (tied for the league lead). The running game fared no better, ranking 29th in yards per carry (3.6), as inconsistent blocking left star running back Travis Etienne Jr. with few open lanes. Defensively, the Jaguars lacked both pass-rushing depth and secondary playmaking: edge rushers not named Josh Allen combined for just 6 sacks, and the secondary recorded only 8 interceptions all season. Special teams also struggled, with a 75% field goal success rate that ranked 24th. The offseason additions directly address these pain points: signing veteran right tackle Dalton Risner to fix the offensive line, adding defensive tackle Daron Payne to boost interior pass rush, and drafting slot cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to shore up the secondary. Each move is a direct response to a 2024 failure, ensuring the team isn’t just adding talent—but fixing problems. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus reflects a data-driven approach to roster building, one that leaves no weakness unaddressed.

Free agency has been a cornerstone of the Jaguars’ offseason strategy, with high-impact signings that immediately upgrade positions that plagued them during the 4-13 season— a key part of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record. The biggest splash came in the trenches, where the Jaguars signed Risner to a three-year, \(33 million deal to start at right tackle. Risner, a six-year veteran who spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings, allowed just 3 sacks in 2024 and has a career 89% pass-block win rate—exactly the reliability the Jaguars need to protect Lawrence. On defense, they added Payne, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle, to a four-year, \)90 million contract. Payne recorded 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season with Washington, and his ability to collapse the pocket from the interior will ease pressure on Allen, who faced constant double-teams in 2024. The Jaguars also addressed their secondary with the signing of slot cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, a former first-round pick who allowed just a 56% completion rate in coverage last season. These signings aren’t just about adding names—they’re about bringing in players with a track record of fixing the exact issues that sank the 4-13 campaign. “Every free agent we signed has proven they can solve a problem we had last year,” Baalke said in a press conference. “We’re not taking chances—we’re building a roster that can win now.” Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus is made tangible through these impactful free-agent pickups.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ draft strategy has complemented their free-agent moves, focusing on long-term talent that will grow with the team and prevent a return to the 4-13 doldrums— a critical element of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record. With the 12th overall pick, the Jaguars selected McKinstry, a shutdown slot cornerback from Alabama, to pair with Jackson in the secondary. McKinstry, known for his physicality and ball skills, recorded 11 pass deflections and 3 interceptions in his final college season, and he’ll immediately compete for a starting role—addressing the Jaguars’ need for playmakers in the secondary. In the second round, they drafted offensive guard Cooper Beebe from Kansas State, a mauling run-blocker who will compete for a starting spot on the interior line. Beebe’s addition ensures depth behind Risner and left guard Andrew Norwell, preventing the line from collapsing if injuries strike (a key issue in 2024, when the Jaguars used seven different line combinations). The Jaguars also used later picks to add depth at edge rusher (drafting defensive end BJ Ojulari in the third round) and tight end (selecting Luke Lachey in the fourth round), positions that lacked depth last season. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just fixing current problems—they’re building a roster with the depth to avoid the injuries and inconsistencies that led to 13 losses. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus balances immediate fixes with long-term planning, a recipe for sustained success.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has played a key role in shaping the offseason additions, ensuring every new player fits the team’s scheme and culture— a detail that strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record. Head coach Doug Pederson, who led the Jaguars to a playoff appearance in 2022, worked closely with Baalke to identify players who align with his offensive philosophy of balanced attack and quick decision-making. For example, Risner’s experience in zone-blocking schemes (a staple of Pederson’s offense) made him a priority, as he’ll help open lanes for Etienne and give Lawrence time to scan the field. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell similarly weighed in on defensive signings: Payne’s ability to play in both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts made him a perfect fit for Caldwell’s flexible scheme, and McKinstry’s versatility (he can play both slot and outside corner) aligns with the coordinator’s focus on adaptive coverage. The coaching staff has also been active in integrating new players, hosting voluntary minicamps where veterans like Risner and Payne have worked with young teammates to build chemistry. “It’s not enough to add talent—they have to fit how we play,” Pederson said. “Every addition we’ve made this offseason has been someone who buys into our system and our culture, and that’s how you turn a 4-13 team into a winner.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus are building more than a roster—they’re building a cohesive unit that understands and executes the coaching staff’s vision. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus is a team effort, combining front-office strategy with coaching expertise.

Looking ahead, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record represents more than just a one-off rebuild—it’s a chance to redefine the franchise’s trajectory. The 4-13 season was a wake-up call, forcing the Jaguars to confront hard truths about their roster and approach. The offseason additions—both free agents and draft picks—have addressed every major weakness, but success will depend on execution: Can the offensive line stay healthy and protect Lawrence? Will Payne and Allen form a dominant pass-rushing duo? Can the secondary create more turnovers? If these pieces click, the Jaguars have the talent to jump from 4 wins to a playoff spot—especially in an AFC South that remains competitive but not unbeatable. For players like Lawrence, who endured a frustrating 2024, the offseason additions are a sign of commitment from the organization. “This offseason shows they’re invested in winning,” Lawrence said. “We have the pieces now—we just need to go out and play together.” For fans, the additions offer hope after a dismal year, a reason to believe the 4-13 record was an aberration, not a trend. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offseason Additions Aim to Fix 4-13 Record thus isn’t just about fixing a bad season—it’s about building a team that can compete for years to come, one intentional addition at a time. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Jaguars to see if their offseason plan translates to wins—and if they can finally put the 4-13 nightmare behind them.