Jacksonville added another depth piece to its defensive line on Tuesday when it came to terms with former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He rejoins his former defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Jaguars last month.
Former #Ravens DE Jihad Ward is signing with the #Jaguars, source said. His DL coach in Baltimore Joe Cullen is now the Jags DC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Ward is now heading into his sixth season in the league after being drafted in the second round out of Illinois in 2016 by the Raiders. A journeyman to this point in his career, he’s also had stints in Dallas and Indianapolis.
He’s appeared in 51 games over the course of his career, notching eight sacks and 30 quarterback hits in the process. A rotational member of the Ravens’ defensive line, he figures to factor into Jacksonville’s depth chart similarly.
The Jaguars are still yet to land a splashy signing with their league-high cap space, but they continue to sign experienced players like Ward who will provide important depth on a team that sorely lacked it last season, especially along the defensive line.