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The exciting, drama-filled 2021 free agency has officially begun and Jacksonville Jaguars have wasted no time in bringing in Roy Robertson-Harris. With the franchise tag in the rearview mirror, players are up for grabs. Teams can legally negotiate with free agents and sign them on Wednesday, the start of the new league year. The money is flowing, and deals are being drawn to sign, re-sign, and release players.
Some teams are losing their top players; Chicago Bears have lost one of their top defensive players; meanwhile, Jacksonville has earned a top defensive end in, Roy Robertson-Harris.
Did the Jaguars spend the right amount on Roy Robertson-Harris?
Robertson-Harris has a contract for three years and $24.4 million with $14 million guarantees.
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The Jaguars also gave up a fifth-round compensatory pick in 2022. However, the Bears have benefited since they signed the defensive end in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of UTEP.
The 27-year old started six games for Chicago in 2020, appearing overall in eight games before sustaining a season-ending shoulder surgery in November. He had ten total tackles, five QB hits, and one tackle for loss. Overall, Robertson-Harris has 7.5 sacks, and 30 quarterback hits in 52 contests.
Robertson-Harris was with the Bears for five years, but they couldn't afford to bring the defensive end back.
The Bears have strict salary cap limitations this offseason and prepared for Robertson-Harris to generate attention on the open market.
In the foreseeable loss of their defensive end, Chicago re-signed Mario Edwards Jr. for a less grand contract of 3-years and $11.55 million contract.
The Jaguars desperately need a defensive line talent after having one of the worst defenses in the league in 2020. Jacksonville finished second to last in both points and yards allowed. The defensive line was a significant reason for that, as they struggled to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars' former first-round pick, Taven Bryan's results were mediocre, and Dawuane Smoot has had a foot out the door.
The 6'5 295 pounder can play down the interior of the defense. Along with the Jaguars' new Defensive Coordinator Joe Cullen, a possible transformation to a 3-4 defense could be in the works, which Robertson- Harris is familiar with coming from Chicago.
Jaguars head coach Urban Meyers has emphasized the need for a solid defensive line.
"I always believe you build your team around the defensive line, and then you move backwards – so that's what we're going to d0,"
Meyer's statement reflects the early stages of free agency. Robertson-Harris will join forces with defensive tackles DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin, who are impressive rookies but need a veteran leader to help them develop.
