The Jacksonville Jaguars struck an important deal with one of their top defenders just days before NFL Free Agency was set to open.
The Jaguars got a deal done with cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown on Monday morning. Brown agreed to terms on a three-year, $33 million contract that establishes the former seventh-round pick as a key member of the defense in Duval County for years to come.
Brown was expected to have a competitive market in free agency, but ultimately it came down to his desire to stay in Jacksonville, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move will also give the Jaguars some flexibility to address other areas of need, like the defensive line.
Since becoming a regular starter over the past two seasons, the Arkansas product has quickly become the Jaguars’ most reliable corner against top competition. He has 172 total tackles in his career, along with three interceptions and 24 pass deflections, 12 of which came last season.
The Jaguars are expected to let fellow cornerback Greg Newsome leave the team in free agency, so getting a deal done with Brown now was vital. He will share the corner room with former Heisman winner Travis Hunter and veteran Jourdan Lewis next season.
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The Jaguars will still likely sign another corner during free agency to add to their depth, but it is no longer a pressing need that should be addressed at the top of the NFL Draft. This deal gives the Jaguars a more defined path to sustain last season’s surprising success.
Despite the overall win that this deal is for the team, it does likely seal the fate of star linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne in free agency. Although neither player was expected to return to Jacksonville, this move all but confirms the two former first-round picks have played their final down in black and teal.
