Brandon Scherff – Syndication Server

Important date approaches for Jaguars and Brandon Scherff

An important date is approaching for the Jaguars and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.

February 17th is an important date for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Brandon Scherff.

On that day, Scherff, who is currently set to be a free agent this offseason, will have his contract void. At that point, the Jaguars will have to take on $14 million in dead cap for the 2025 season, according to Over the Cap.

Dead cap are dollars that will remain on the current year’s salary cap even if that player is playing elsewhere.

The reason that Scherff has so much dead cap is because of the contract restructure that was completed last offseason and utilized four void years.

Void years are essentially fake years added to a contract for salary cap purposes. Those added years are not a contract extension, but rather they allow teams a longer runway to spread salary cap charges out.

The benefit in the now is that it lowers a player’s current cap hit. The downside, however, is that when the contract terminates down the road, all of those cap charges that were pushed to the void years accelerate and come due on the salary cap books.

To avoid this, the Jaguars and Scherff can agree to an extension before February 17th, which would allow the team to then spread those cap charges out over the life of the deal, rather than taking it all on this year.

Once that February 17th date passes, if a new deal hasn’t been reached, the Jaguars are still able to re-sign Scherff. However, at that point, in addition to taking on the cap hit from the new deal, that aforementioned dead cap hit of $14 million is still on the books as well.

So if an extension isn’t reach soon, then it probably becomes more likely that Scherff won’t be returning.

Given that the Jaguars’ offensive line play has to improve, there is value in bringing back Scherff and his experience. However, there’s also a financial motivation for the Jaguars to bring him back as well.

One Jaguars’ player on PFF’s list of top free agents in 2025

PFF put together their list of the top available free agents this offseason, and included was one player from the Jaguars.

Pro Football Focus put together its list of the top 75 free agents for the 2025 offseason, and included was one member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coming in at No. 59 on the list is Jaguars’ guard Brandon Scherff.

Although Scherff dealt with injuries early in his career, he was extremely reliable during his three seasons with the Jaguars, playing in every game during that span.

Scherff has been particularly good in pass protection. This past season, he didn’t allow any sacks, according to PFF’s metrics, ranked fourth among all guards in pass-blocking efficiency.

Whether it be re-signing Scherff or looking elsewhere, adding to the offensive line will have to be on the Jaguars’ offseason to-do list.

For one, quarterback Trevor Lawrence said that when it comes to shaking the predictability that the Jaguars have experienced on offense, part of that equation is being more consistent in the running game. This will help keep the offense out of those obvious passing situations.

Of note, with the Jaguars adding four void years to Scherff’s contract last offseason, even if he ends up playing elsewhere in 2025, he will leave behind a dead cap hit of $14 million, according to Over the Cap, unless a contract extension between the two is reached.

To see the entire list of Jaguars’ 2025 free agents, click here.

Jaguars vs. Colts: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars season is coming to a close as they travel to Indianapolis with a chance to end the year on a high note against the Colts.

It’s been a rocky year for the organization. The team that owner Shad Khan called the most talented Jaguars team ever cratered to a lock in the first 10 slots in April’s NFL draft.

Furthermore, this could be head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke’s last game in their respective positions.

A lot of change should be on the way in Jacksonville. Yet, there is a game to be played as the Jaguars hope to secure their fifth victory of the campaign.

For the final time this season, Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at the key matchups ahead of the Jaguars’ matchup against the Colts.

Jaguars defense vs. Colts quarterback Joe Flacco

Entering the season, the Jaguars’ defense was supposed to be a strength and was boldly predicted to be a top-10 unit in 2024. Instead, it’s been one of the worst in the league right alongside the Carolina Panthers.

This week presents an opportunity for Jacksonville’s defense to end on a strong note. The unit’s play in recent weeks has gotten better thanks to improved discipline, the development of rookie interior linemen Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson, and the production of pass rush duo of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.

This front will be taking on a Colts offense that has allowed the eighth-highest pressure rate in the NFL at 37.8 percent, according to Next Gen Stats. With Joe Flacco and the lack of mobility will allow the Jaguars to be more aggressive at attacking the QB and could evolve an increase in blitzes from defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Flacco has his moments in the sun but is prone to mistakes as of late. If the Jaguars want to end the year right, getting home on the veteran signal-caller and forcing him into bad decisions will be key.

Hines-Allen will be unavailable for the game due to personal reasons, emphasizing the need for big days from Walker, Smith and Jefferson, among other Jaguars’ trench players.

Jaguars offensive line vs. Colts defensive line

This game will be won and lost in the trenches. Jacksonville has held the edge compared to its opponents in this regard in recent weeks, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The Jaguars’ offensive line has seen consistent play up front from their interior with guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Schreff alongside center Mitch Morse. Right tackle Anton Harrison has improved his played in recent weeks as well, and the team currently bestows a 12.3 percent pressure rate allowed, the fifth-lowest in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats.

However, the front five will face one of the NFL’s best interior defensive linemen, DeForest Buckner, who possesses the second-highest pressure rate in the league among pass rushers with at least 200 rushing snaps (12.3 percent).

Slowing down Buckner won’t be easy, but blocking the rest of the Colts’ defensive front might not be as hard. The unit has been an Achilles heel for Indianapolis all season, posing an advantage for Jacksonville.

If the Jaguars can quiet Buckner in the trenches, this could spell success for quarterback Mac Jones and company.

Pederson: Four injured Jaguars ‘all fine’ entering Raiders matchup

Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson on Friday considered the four starting Jaguars who have been limited in practice throughout Week 16 — tight end Brenton Strange, offensive tackle Walker Little, and guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff — “all fine” ahead of the club’s Sunday road matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Strange (shoulder) and Little (ankle) suffered their injuries in Jacksonville’s 32-25 loss to the New York Jets in Week 15 but were able to finish the game. Cleveland (knee) and Scherff (knee/shoulder) have played through their hurts for multiple weeks.

Strange took over as Jacksonville’s starting tight end against New York after Evan Engram was ruled out for the season with a labrum injury that required surgery. Strange has logged 34 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns in 14 appearances, including 11 grabs for 73 yards versus the Jets.

The Jaguars and Raiders’ Week 16 matchup is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.

Jaguars vs. Jets: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars head into Week 15 coming off a refreshing victory at Tennessee last Sunday. It’s only the team’s third win of what has otherwise been a tumultuous losing season.

This weekend provides a favorable opportunity to add another mark to the win column, although the team’s draft positioning may once again falter. The Jaguars host the New York Jets in 2024’s first matchup between teams mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at the key matchups in Jacksonville’s next-to-last home game of the season.

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner

It’s becoming clearer that the Jaguars rookie sensation is already one of the best players on the roster. He was a key reason for the team’s success in Nashville last weekend with eight catches on 12 targets for 86 yards, putting his season total at 54 grabs for 851 yards and six touchdown receptions.

This weekend, Thomas will go one-on-one against one of the best cornerbacks in football, Sauce Gardner.

The Jets have not had the season they were hoping for and are a mess of a franchise at the moment. However, the two-time All-Pro Gardner remains a bright spot, and winning against him in coverage is no easy feat.

That said, Gardner has had some struggles this season, especially on deeper crossing patterns, which could favor Thomas in space and offer run-after-catch opportunities against man coverage.

If Thomas has yet another productive day against Gardner and the Jets secondary, Jacksonville has a chance at winning two games in a row.

Jaguars LT Walker Little vs. Jets pass rushers

There’s a reason the Jaguars extended Walker Little to a three-year, $40.5 million contract. His play since becoming the team’s starting left tackle hasn’t been perfect but has been trending upward in recent weeks, especially in pass protection.

According to Next Gen Stats, Little’s quarterback pressure rate is the fourth-lowest among starting left tackles with at least 150 snaps.

Little faces a daunting task this weekend, however. His likely opponent on most snaps, Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV, has 10 sacks and 52 quarterback pressures on the season.

The Jets are like the Jaguars defensively as they have more trust in their four-down linemen to generate pressure by moving them around the line, rather than pulling out all the stops like some teams.

Little will need to be prepared for whoever New York will throw his way. Don’t forget about Haason Reddick, Michael Clemons and, occasionally, Quinnen Williams.

Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby vs. Jets run defense

Bigsby has established himself as Jacksonville’s running back of the future while putting the team in a tough position with his fellow running mate Travis Etienne Jr. While that is not the topic of this section, how Bigsby can beat New York’s run defense is.

The Jets rank No. 16 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (119.9) and run stuff percentage (17.1%), and have allowed the 11th-most expected points added (EPA) rushing.

This could be another week where Bigsby sees another 20-plus touch game. The key to turning usage into production is trusting the blocks of interior linemen, center Mitch Morse and guards Brandon Scherff and Ezra Cleveland.

Bigsby is one of the league’s better space-creators and the Jets have allowed the ninth-most yards after contact per attempt (3.14) in the NFL. Bigsby’s 4.9 yards per attempt on inside-designed runs are the seventh-most in the NFL this season, according to Next Gen Stats.

While running backs may not matter to some, Bigsby will play a key part in Jacksonville’s chances at victory this weekend. Bringing him down won’t be an easy feat for New York.

Jaguars vs. Titans: Key matchups

The Jacksonville Jaguars have faced the worst-case scenario of worst-case scenarios the way this season has gone, from playoff expectations in the preseason to likely possessing the No. 1 overall draft choice for the third time in five years.

The 2-10 Jaguars enter Week 14 with the worst record in the league. But they have a chance to put smiles on fans’ faces as they are set to take on the 3-9 Tennesee Titans in an AFC South matchup in Nashville.

Jaguars Wire takes a look at the key matchups that could determine the outcome of Jacksonville vs. Tennessee.

Titans QB Will Levis vs. Jaguars QB Mac Jones

This game will come down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.

Jones and Levis are two quarterbacks who received plenty of hype and attention in their respective drafts but have failed to meet their expectations as signal-callers. Both have been underwhelming since entering the league and their futures with their current teams seem uncertain.

However, both players will square off in this AFC South rivalry game. Mac Jones has thrown for 484 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the last three games, two as the starter and in relief of Lawrence against Houston last week.

Levis has played much better since returning from a throwing shoulder injury in Week 10 than before he missed time.

Levis has thrown for 960 yards with seven touchdowns and just two interceptions in the last four weeks, compared to 699 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions in the first five games of the season. He is making fewer mistakes and operating fairly cleanly.

Jones must protect the ball better for the Jaguars’ offense to beat against the No. 1 passing defense in the NFL. It starts with better consistency and rhythm as a signal-caller to give his playmakers, including rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr., a chance to win downfield, where Jacksonville succeeded in the passing game when Lawrence was available.

If Jones can play a mistake-free game, the Jaguars’ chances of a win increase significantly.

Titans DL Jeffery Simmons vs. Jaguars interior OL

An area of strength for Jacksonville has been its interior line play with guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff along with center Mitch Morse. This week they will be taking on a game-wrecker in defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, one of the best players in the NFL at his position.

That said, Simmons is experiencing a relatively down year. He has generated a 9.7 percent pressure rate this season, ranking No. 49 of 107 qualifying defensive linemen, per NFL Pro.

Still, Simmons has reminded teams just how explosive and quick he can be off the line of scrimmage with 11 quick pressures (tied for tenth-most in the NFL) and 15 run stuffs (No. 3), according to Next Gen Stats.

The Jaguars interior offensive line has allowed some of the lowest pressure rates at right guard (3.9%) and left guard (4.4%) and the fifth-fewest run stuffs in the league (44). The latter stat has allowed the Jaguars to remain in the top half in rushing yards per attempt, at 4.5.

Simmons, along with Titans rookie standout T’Vondre Sweat (27 run stops), will be a big challenge for the Jaguars offensive line.

Yet, if the combo of Scherff, Morse and Cleveland can win at the line of scrimmage Sunday, Jones should play with clean pockets while running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr. get to tout the ball for decent chunk gains, potentially leading to win No. 3 for Jacksonville.

Pederson issues ‘day-to-day’ tags for handful of Jaguars injuries

The Jaguars are banged up ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. They are navigating injuries to six starters suffered in Jacksonville’s Sunday loss to the Green Bay Packers, to pair with starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) missing the team’s last two games.

Cornerback Ronald Darby (hip), wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder), and offensive guards Brandon Scherff (knee) and Ezra Cleveland (ankle) evaded long-term injury in Week 8.

However, most of the group enters Week 9 “day-to-day,” per Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.

“Darby’s good, Darby will be out there. [Thomas], we’ve just got to wait and see. He’s going to be day-to-day. Gabe’s going to be day-to-day. [Scherff is] day-to-day. Ezra, day-to-day, ankle. We’ll see how he is at the end of the week,” Pederson said.

The sixth starter to go down against the Packers, wide receiver Christian Kirk, suffered a season-ending broken collarbone, which was reported late Sunday.

Pederson suggested Etienne, who the head coach considered a game-time decision for each of Jacksonville’s last two games, is inching closer to returning to play this week.

“Yeah, should get him back,” Pederson said. “Looking forward to getting him out there and getting some reps, see how he feels.”

As Jacksonville kicks off its week of practice before facing Philadelphia, Pederson said the Jaguars are leaning on the development of their roster depth this past offseason as they manage their battered lineup.

“Next man up. I mean honestly, it’s easy as that,” Pederson said. “You know, the games are still going to come and the league is still going to continue on, and we’re going to continue on.

“We’ve got to coach. That’s why we develop guys in the offseason, you know, for opportunities like this. So, whether it’s a young player, a rookie, a vet or a practice squad elevation, we’re going to continue to coach everybody and get them prepared for each week.”

Doug Pederson updates Jaguars’ injuries vs. Packers

In addition to confirming a broken collarbone for wide receiver Christian Kirk and revealing receiver Brian Thomas Jr. avoided a major injury, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson on Monday shed light on Jacksonville’s other injuries from its 30-27 loss to Green Bay in Week 8.

Wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder), offensive guards Brandon Scherff (knee) and Ezra Cleveland (ankle), and cornerback Ronald Darby (hip) each got hurt during the game, with only Scherff returning to action before the final whistle.

“Gabe should be fine. Again, it was just the shoulder. He just lost some feeling in there and we were just kind of waiting for that to come back a little bit during the game. Sometimes those are funny things but should be fine,” Pederson explained about Davis, suggesting he aggravated a previous injury.

Davis was on Jacksonville’s injury report with a hurt shoulder between Weeks 4-5.

“Ezra, ankle. He will be probably, as of today, probably day-to-day going into the weekend,” Pederson continued. “Scherff came back. Scherff’s going to be sore. Tough guy. Battled. Came back, finished the game. Should be okay for this weekend. Darby will be more day-to-day.”

The Jaguars return to practice Wednesday ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Eagles in Philadelphia. Jacksonville’s next batch of injury updates will come out following that session.

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns

Coming off a tough loss in South Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set for their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday as both teams look to avoid an 0-2 start.

This week Jacksonville looks to be more consistent with its offensive production while Cleveland is again forced to deal with quarterback Deshaun Watson and his off-field issues as the Browns await the return of all-world running back Nick Chubb.

Week 2 will give both teams a better picture of what and who they are moving forward into the 2024 campaign. The Jaguars hope for better execution in their offensive approach following their blown lead to the Miami Dolphins.

With that in mind, Jaguars Wire is here to identify some key matchups for Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup with Cleveland. Here are three matchups the Jaguars must win to avoid a winless start to the season.

Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson vs. Jacksonville’s defense

One of the key takeaways from this past Sunday was the Jaguars’ admirable defensive performance against the explosive Dolphins offense. They mostly limited significant explosive plays and generated four-man pressures through their front four.

Browns head coach and play-caller Kevin Stefanski is known for his offensive creativity and has put Watson in positions to succeed. But since returning from suspension nearly two seasons ago, the former Clemson standout has yet to return to his pre-2021 form.

Watson’s performance against the Dallas Cowboys offered a clear sign of his current abilities.

According to Next Gen Stats, Watson was pressured on 44.6% of dropbacks, finishing 5-of-17 for 22 yards against pressure while being sacked six times. His 23.2 percent dropback success rate was the lowest in a game in the Next Gen Stats era.

Watson has declined, and the Jaguars have the defense to force him off his spot and into bad decisions. Plus, Jacksonville has the athletic defenders necessary to stick with Watson in quarterback contain.

If defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s unit can generate pressures and rattle Watson early, it should be a good day for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville’s offensive line vs. Cleveland’s defensive line

The trenches will be a key matchup in this game but none more crucial than the Jaguars offensive line against the Browns stellar pass rush, led by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.

Jacksonville’s front five did a decent job of protecting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence against the Dolphins, allowing a pressure rate of 32%, ranking No. 14 in the NFL in Week 1.

However, Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is arguably the best in the game at his position and finds ways of consistently getting to the QB. Against the Cowboys, most of the Browns’ pressures came from a defensive front featuring three defensive ends and one defensive tackle.

Having an extra edge rusher lined up at the three-technique could prove disadvantageous for Jacksonville’s guards due to the speed and quickness of Cleveland’s rushers. Schwartz will likely deploy this fairly often in passing situations.

The biggest concern will be if the Jaguars can limit Garrett, arguably the best pass rusher in the world. This offensive line will also have to account for defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, and defensive ends Za’Darius Smith and Alex Wright.

Jacksonville seems up for the challenge considering its Week 1 performance. Right guard Brandon Scherff must have a better game after an up-and-down showing in Miami. However, left guard Ezra Cleveland and center Mitch Morse held their own against the Dolphins and can build upon their performances this week.

Tackles Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison will have a lot on their plate Sunday, but another solid day from these five linemen could signal success for the Jaguars in Week 2.

Jacksonville’s skill players vs. Cleveland’s back-seven

Once again, the Jaguars’ group of offensive skill players will face another tough secondary only this time on their home turf.

The Browns have a defensive unit that allowed a negative .20 expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. Their back seven is led by star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward with more quality defenders roaming the second and third level.

For most teams, including Jacksonville, facing Cleveland’s back seven is a tall task. Nevertheless, the Jaguars have last week’s first-half performance to go off of when it comes to taking on other stout back seven defenders.

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. must be a focal point Sunday. The offense was humming when he was being targeted and he adds a level of explosiveness and playmaking ability this unit has not had in quite some time. His zero targets in the second half were inexcusable.

This weekend could be a good time for the Jaguars to deploy Evan Engram into the passing game in his new versatile role as the F-move tight end and fullback. He could be the X-factor against a tough Browns secondary.

Finding explosive plays and getting the ball to the team’s best playmakers will be another crucial aspect in their pursuit of a home-opener victory.

CBS poses ‘biggest question’ for Jaguars entering training camp

Will center Mitch Morse’s addition to Jacksonville’s offensive line be enough to elevate the unit?

That’s what CBS analyst Bryan DeArdo wondered when he penned the “biggest question” every AFC team faces ahead of training camp, which opens to fans in Jacksonville on July 24.

Because, aside from Mirse’s free agent signing in March, Jacksonville is running it back up front, returning its intended starters from 2023 at left and right tackle and left and right guard.

Did they do enough to improve the O-line?

The Jaguars believe that injuries and a lack of continuity were the main reasons why their O-line struggled last year, especially when it came to running the ball. To help address those issues, the Jaguars made a [splash] in free agency when they were able to sign former Pro Bowl center Mitch Morse.

Personally, I think the Jaguars’ O-line will be better this year with the addition of Morse and the expected growth of Ezra Cleveland second-year right tackle Anton Harrison. The development of rookie fourth-round pick Javon Foster (whom the Jaguars view as their future swing tackle) is also key. But the Jaguars need veterans Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson to stay healthy after injuries hindered their effectiveness in recent years.

The Jaguars finished last season with 59.6 pass-blocking and 40.6 run-blocking grades, ranking No. 21 and No. 31 in the NFL in those respective categories, per Pro Football Focus.

Morse is expected to replace Luke Fortner, Jacksonville’s starting center since his third-round selection by the club in 2022. Fortenr’s 44.3 PFF offensive grade ranked No. 56 of 57 NFL centers who logged at least one snap in 2023; Morse’s 64.5 mark ranked No. 22.

Otherwise, the Jaguars hope the unit can benefit from continuity, and believe it will perform better with improved health and availability.

Cam Robinson enters his eighth year as Jacksonville’s left tackle after missing eight games in 2023, four due to suspension at the beginning of the campaign and another four near the end due to injury. Opposite is Anton Harrison, the Jaguars’ 2023 first-round pick, who flashed promise as a rookie right tackle against several premier NFL edge rushers.

Seasoned NFL veteran and rising third-year Jaguars right guard Brandon Scherff is back on a restructured contract. So is Ezra Cleveland on the left, who Jacksonville traded for around midseason in 2023 and re-signed in March.

Cleveland dealt with multiple injuries during the season, a foot injury with Minnesota before the trade and a knee injury with the Jaguars.

“If you look at it, Week 18 was kind of that snapshot of what the offensive line was supposed to look like with Cam, Ezra, Luke, Brandon and Anton,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said in March.

“When we got Ezra, that was supposed to be what it looked like. They only played one game together. We’re excited for this upcoming offseason to get those guys working together.”

In addition to Javon Foster’s acquisition, Walker Little also returns to the Jaguars’ offensive line after serving as a backup tackle/guard hybrid in 2023. Jacksonville’s second second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Little has started 17 games in three seasons.