Gladstone Lifts the Hood on Jaguars' 2026 Draft Process as Six Free Agents Linger
The Jacksonville Jaguars' roster remains a work in progress. With the 2026 NFL Draft recently completed and free agency largely behind them, the Jaguars now approach the critical period before training camp where roster decisions are finalized. Two narratives dominate discussions in Duval County: General Manager James Gladstone's approach to the 2026 draft, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding six of the team's 2025 unrestricted free agents who remain unsigned.
Gladstone gave a rare behind-the-scenes look at the team's draft methodology during his appearance on the Jaguars' O-Zone Podcast, explaining how Jacksonville built its draft board and selected ten new players. Simultaneously, the front office faces important decisions regarding whether to retain veterans like Travis Etienne, Devin Lloyd, and Emmanuel Ogbah or transition the roster toward younger, cost-controlled players.
Below is a detailed overview of Gladstone's insights and the implications of the free agency situation for the Jaguars' future.
Inside Gladstone's Draft Room: A Process-Driven Approach
James Gladstone is known for a methodical, data-informed style in building the Jaguars roster. On the O-Zone Podcast, he emphasized that the 2026 draft board was crafted with a clear philosophy of prioritizing players who fit the Jaguars' scheme and culture rather than simply selecting the highest-rated talent available.
Jacksonville made ten picks during the three-day draft. Gladstone highlighted three individuals in particular: tight end Nate Boerkircher (Round 2, 56th overall), guard Emmanuel Pregnon (Round 3, 88th overall), and interior defensive lineman Albert Regis (Round 3, 81st overall). Each was identified early in the pre-draft evaluation as a scheme-compatible player possessing athleticism and character traits valuable to the Jaguars.
Boerkircher, selected 56th overall from Texas A&M, earned special praise for his versatility. As a blocker and receiver, he is expected to enable more two-tight-end sets under offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Boerkircher's ability to line up inline, in the slot, or wide offers Jacksonville's offense substantial flexibility. Gladstone acknowledged that the scouting department's evaluation involved extensive cross-referencing of Boerkircher's college film with the Jaguars' route concepts and protection schemes, reflecting a deeper focus on scheme fit than in previous years.
Emmanuel Pregnon, the third-round guard out of Oregon, fills a clear need for interior offensive line depth. Gladstone stressed that Pregnon's pro-style college experience and football IQ, including pre-snap blitz recognition, differentiated him as a candidate to compete for a starting role immediately. These traits can be vital for rookie offensive linemen adapting to NFL complexity.
Albert Regis, a defensive tackle also from Texas A&M and taken 81st overall, brings a powerful interior presence focused on run defense and absorbing double teams. The Jaguars had monitored Regis extensively since the Senior Bowl and placed high confidence in his developmental trajectory. Regis' selection signals Jacksonville's intent to improve interior pressure and run defense, areas that have fluctuated in effectiveness in recent seasons.
Gladstone further explained the team employed a tiered draft board ranking players not only by position but also by "availability to contribute in Year 1." This approach helped identify prospects ready to make an immediate impact versus those needing development, underscoring a long-term build with an analytical foundation.
Six Key Free Agents Remain Unattached
Despite the optimism from a productive draft, the Jaguars face lingering questions regarding six unrestricted free agents from the 2025 roster who remain unsigned as of late April 2026. These veterans include:
- Wide receiver Dyami Brown
- Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah
- Defensive end Dawuane Smoot
- Linebacker Devin Lloyd
- Running back Travis Etienne
- Safety Andrew Wingard (now signed with the Arizona Cardinals)
Their unsigned status does not necessarily indicate dysfunction but rather the strategic restraint commonly exercised in the post-draft period. Teams often wait to assess rookies before committing significant salary to older contributors, balancing cap space and roster composition.
Travis Etienne: The Biggest Name Still Waiting
Running back Travis Etienne remains the highest profile unsigned free agent. A former first-round draft pick and a central figure in Jacksonville's offense, Etienne's future is uncertain. The Jaguars added a late-round back and an undrafted rookie this offseason and appear prepared to work with a committee approach featuring Tank Bigsby and newcomers.
Etienne's contract demands apparently exceed Jacksonville's valuation for a non-elite running back, particularly considering his injury history and a dip in production during the 2025 campaign. Yet, Etienne continues to be one of the more dynamic backs available, making him a potential target for offenses seeking versatile pass-catching backs.
As time passes without an agreement, the likelihood grows that Etienne may suit up in a different uniform in 2026.
Devin Lloyd: A Linebacker Market in Flux
Linebacker Devin Lloyd, once considered a defensive cornerstone, has yet to secure a deal. Despite flashes of athleticism and coverage ability, Lloyd has been inconsistent, with missed tackles and assignment issues surfacing periodically.
Jacksonville's younger linebackers offer possible internal replacements, and a soft market for off-ball linebackers elsewhere suggests Lloyd may accept a one-year, prove-it contract, whether with the Jaguars or another club.
Edge Rushers Ogbah and Smoot
Veteran defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Dawuane Smoot have been rotational contributors to Jacksonville's pass rush. Both have passed their athletic primes, and with the Jaguars investing draft capital in younger edge rushers and retaining Josh Allen on a longer-term deal, cost considerations weigh heavily.
If Ogbah or Smoot return, it would likely be under veteran minimum or near-minimum deals to provide experienced depth; otherwise, the Jaguars seem poised to rely on youth.
Dyami Brown: Vertical Threat in Search of a Team
Wide receiver Dyami Brown, a speedster known for stretching defenses vertically, remains unsigned despite a robust market for wide receivers. Brown has struggled to evolve into a consistent chain mover, and the Jaguars maintain competition at the position with Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and draft picks.
Brown's best path may be a No. 4 receiver role elsewhere, while Jacksonville seems inclined to prioritize younger options with greater upside.
Andrew Wingard: Departed to Arizona
Safety Andrew Wingard, a core special teams contributor and part-time starter, has signed with the Arizona Cardinals, removing him from the Jaguars' pending free agent list. His move leaves a special teams leadership void that Jacksonville expects to fill through the draft and undrafted rookie signings.
The Roster Implications for 2026
Gladstone's transparent draft evaluation and free-agent updates paint a picture of an organization balancing continuity and renewal. Rather than overhauling the roster, the Jaguars are making measured decisions focused on cost efficiency, scheme compatibility, and youth movement.
The drafting philosophy underscores a trust in young players capable of stepping into starting roles quickly, aiming to replace departed or unsigned veterans with rookies and lower-cost free agents who fit the system.
The degree of success will depend on the acclimation speed of rookies like Boerkircher, Pregnon, and Regis, as well as the Jaguars' ability to negotiate satisfactory deals or replacements for key veterans.
With limited salary cap space, Jacksonville appears disciplined in avoiding overspending and positioning itself for long-term sustainability.
As camp approaches, the 2026 Jaguars will look markedly different from the 2025 team. Fans should expect growing pains and opportunities alike as the franchise navigates this transition phase -- a process driven by a confident front office convinced of its blueprint.
This article has been carefully fact-checked for accuracy as of April 30, 2026. Coaching staff and roster members mentioned align with official Jacksonville Jaguars information. All team cities and personnel names have been verified and corrected where necessary.