On Thursday, the Jaguars signed second-round draft pick Maason Smith to a four-year rookie deal. This signing marks the sixth draft pick to agree to terms with the team out of their nine selections from the 2023 NFL Draft. Three remaining unsigned picks, including first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr., are still working towards finalizing their contracts.
Smith, who played alongside Thomas at LSU, had a challenging 2022 season due to a knee injury that limited him to just one game. However, he bounced back in 2023 and started in 12 games, recording 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. His return to form was promising, and the Jaguars have high hopes for his future with the team.
Moving forward, Smith is expected to compete for playing time behind veterans Arik Armstead and Roy Robertson-Harris on the interior of the Jaguars defensive line. With his talent and potential, Smith could provide valuable depth and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts in the upcoming season. The Jaguars are excited to see Smith in action and believe he can make a significant impact on the field.
The signing of Smith brings the Jaguars one step closer to filling out their roster for the upcoming season. With three remaining unsigned picks still working towards finalizing their contracts, including first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr., there is still much work left to be done before opening day arrives. However, with Smith’s addition to the roster, the Jaguars are taking another step towards building a strong and competitive team for years to come.
