Jaguars Sign Offensive Tackle Fred Johnson to One-Year Deal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have strengthened their offensive line by signing offensive tackle Fred Johnson to a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move marks a homecoming for the 27-year-old, who grew up in Florida and played college football at the University of Florida.

Johnson stands at 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 326 pounds. Undrafted in 2019, he initially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers but has since played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles. During the 2024 season, Johnson appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Eagles, including six starts, and contributed to the team’s playoff run.

In his NFL career, Johnson has played in 34 regular season games and five postseason games. His versatility allows him to play both right and left tackle, as well as some snaps at right guard. Despite a challenging year in 2024 regarding pass protection, where he surrendered eight sacks and 38 pressures over 240 pass-blocking snaps, Johnson is expected to compete for a key role in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars have made significant moves this offseason to bolster their offensive line, having already acquired three other linemen: Patrick Mekari, Robert Hainsey, and Chuma Edoga. General Manager James Gladstone emphasized the team’s commitment to improving their offensive front, stating, “Clearly by signing three of those players, and that being the most at any one position over the course of the free agent window, we’re setting the standard for what we’re actually looking to do.”

With his experience, Johnson is determined to help the Jaguars achieve their goals for the upcoming season. He previously shared his emotional journey back to the field after a challenging period in his career. “I got emotional. I got really emotional because I thought I’d never be back in action,” Johnson recalled after a game last season.

As Jacksonville gears up for the 2025 season, the addition of Johnson not only provides depth at the tackle position but also aims to support young quarterback Trevor Lawrence with improved protection and a stronger running game.

With the draft approaching, the Jaguars remain focused on further strengthening their offensive line. The addition of Johnson signals the team’s intent to build a formidable front as they look to compete in the upcoming season.

For more updates on the Jaguars and Fred Johnson, fans can follow the team on social media platforms.