The Jacksonville Jaguars have reached an agreement with free agent center Mitch Morse on a two-year, $10.5 million contract, with $7 million guaranteed, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.
Morse, who will turn 32 next month, was released by the Buffalo Bills last week as part of a salary cap-saving measure after five seasons with the team. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and boasts a career spanning nine seasons, including four with the Kansas City Chiefs, during which he started 126 games.
Having been released, Morse was free to explore his options before the start of free agency. Following a visit to Jacksonville over the weekend, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke wasted no time in extending an offer to Morse.
The addition of Morse is expected to provide an immediate upgrade over third-year pro-Luke Fortner, who struggled against formidable NFL nose tackles.
With Morse on board, the Jaguars solidify their starting offensive line ahead of free agency and the NFL draft.
Their presumed starting offensive line now consists of left tackle Cam Robinson, who is entering the final year of his contract, left guard Ezra Cleveland, who signed a three-year, $28.5 million deal last week, right guard Brandon Scherff, who restructured his contract to reduce his cap hit significantly, and right tackle Anton Harrison, drafted in the first round in 2023.
Additionally, the Jaguars traded a sixth-round pick in next month’s draft for New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who will compete with C.J. Beathard to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup.
With their offensive lineup seemingly set, the Jaguars head into free agency with minimal gaps to address on offense. Their primary focus may now shift to replacing receiver Calvin Ridley, assuming he signs elsewhere.
