The Jacksonville Jaguars made their first outside free agent addition of the 2026 NFL free agency period, signing running back Chris Rodriguez.
So what grade did this move receive?
Rodriguez joins the Jaguars after spending three seasons in Washington. After having a relatively small role in 2023 and 2024, Rodriguez carried the ball 112 times last season, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.
The addition of Rodriguez to the Jacksonville running back room provides that position group with some added experience, something the Jaguars didn’t have a lot of there.
Given that Rodriguez has very little pass-catching experience at the NFL level, he could help share some of the workload with Bhayshul Tuten as a ball carrier, while LeQuint Allen continues to see the field primarily during passing situations.
This is a two-year deal for Rodriguez that is worth $10 million and includes $6.2 million guaranteed. Rodriguez can earn up to $12 million with incentives.
Grading Jaguars’ signing of RB Chris Rodriguez
PFF: Average
What they had to say: “Rodriguez appeared on just 430 snaps over his three years with the Commanders, but he excelled by producing an 89.6 PFF rushing grade. He also has a knack for generating explosive carries, with 25 of his 198 career attempts going for 10 or more yards. Reunited with former Kentucky coach Liam Coen, Rodriguez helps shore up the Jaguars’ committee backfield.”
Jaguars Wire: B
A good value addition that doesn’t break the bank but adds a player to the Jaguars’ offense with upside to tap into. As mentioned, Rodriguez adds some more experience to the running back position as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL analyst grades Jaguars signing of free agent RB Chris Rodriguez
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
