Jaguars' Roster Overhaul: Ewers Trade and Practice Squad Moves Assessed
The Jaguars traded a 2028 sixth-round pick to acquire quarterback Quinn Ewers from the Dolphins, aiming to bolster depth behind Trevor Lawrence. They also signed Nick Mullens and Joey Aguilar to the practice squad, indicating a focus on competition. Coach Liam Coen praised Ewers' arm talent and potential.
The Jaguars' acquisition of Quinn Ewers cost them a 2028 sixth-round pick, but they quickly recouped that asset by trading tight end Hunter Long to Arizona. Long, who was the team's fifth tight end and unlikely to make the roster, was packaged with a seventh-rounder to bring back a sixth-round selection, effectively neutralizing the cost of the Ewers deal.
Ewers, a former seventh-round pick from Texas, made three starts last season and ranked 24th among 32 quarterbacks in adjusted EPA per play during Weeks 16-18. His production during that stretch was comparable to Bryce Young's. Coach Liam Coen noted Ewers' arm talent and ability to distribute the ball, while the practice squad additions of Nick Mullens and Joey Aguilar suggest the team prioritized depth at every quarterback spot behind Trevor Lawrence.
This move could signal a broader league trend toward investing in developmental quarterbacks rather than relying on veteran journeymen. For Jaguars fans, the trade offers hope that the backup position won't sink the season if Lawrence misses time. The team's ability to recoup the draft pick may also reflect smarter asset management, potentially influencing how other franchises approach similar mid-tier trades.