The Jacksonville Jaguars began their free agency additions with the acquisition of linebacker Joe Schobert with a five-year deal (in principle) and now have a new cornerback on the way. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars have agreed to terms with former Cincinnati cornerback Darqueze Dennard.
Former #Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard is headed to the #Jaguars, source said. The former first rounder lands in Jax as they continue to add.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Dennard, 28, was a former first-round pick for the Bengals in 2014 and started in a total of 24 games for them. He was able to accumulate 408 total tackles and three picks over the span of six seasons with the team while playing in various spots in the Bengals’ secondary.
With the Jags trading Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, there was an obvious need at corner for the Jags. Dennard’s addition gives them a veteran they can pencil in at starter alongside cornerback Tre Herndon or even put at safety. However, that still doesn’t mean they won’t target a starting cornerback in the upcoming draft.
Per Pro Football Focus, Dennard accumulated a grade of 72.7 in 2020. According to them he posted the league’s 15th best coverage grade in 2019 and allowed only four catches of 10-plus yards.