The Jacksonville Jaguars’ surprising offseason at tight end has suddenly snapped into focus after their latest investment
The newest Jacksonville Jaguars extension may be a surprise to some, but not those who have watched closely.
If you’ve been paying attention to the trends of this NFL offseason, you know by now that the tight end position is all the rage. They went hot and heavy early in the NFL Draft, including a surprising pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But the Nate Boerkircher selection is not the Jaguars tight end in the spotlight today. That title goes to veteran Brenton Strange, who has agreed to terms with the team on a three-year extension worth up to $48 million in total value. That’s big money. But Strange is also a big-time player. Even if the numbers don’t fully show it yet. And maybe, just maybe, that surprising pick of Boerkircher helps to show where Strange is headed.
The Jacksonville Jaguars nailed it with their three-year contract extension with tight end Brenton Strange
Amid the transition in Jacksonville with offensive scheme, Strange, a former Penn State Nittany Lion, has managed to be productive in each of the last two seasons. Since the start of the 2024 season, he’s posted 86 receptions for 951 yards. Those numbers rank in the top-25 in the NFL among all tight ends — but they also don’t tell the full story. He’s one of the league’s best on a per-catch basis — ranking ninth (11.1 yards per reception) among tight ends with a minimum of 100 targets.
He’s an effective run after catch athlete, too. And that may tie back to the Jaguars’ vision with drafting Boerkircher. The rookie from Texas A&M is a strong in-line blocker. His presence could, in theory, free up Strange to be a more versatile weapon in the passing game. He’s certainly athletic enough to flex and live in the slot. But he’s versatile enough to line up just about everywhere — this isn’t a discount big slot.
You pay players on extensions for what they will be moving forward. And the vision with the Jaguars’ tight end room is more clear now than ever before. Strange will be free to roam and be a true offensive weapon. That mission is clear on the money and Jacksonville’s efforts to upgrade from Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long as the other pieces in the room. Assuming they’re right, they’ve nailed this new deal.
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