The Jacksonville Jaguars and former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris have agreed on a three-year, $24.4 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed, a person familiar with negotiations said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Monday because neither side can confirm free agent agreements until the new league year begins Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, 292-pound Robertson-Harris is expected to be a 3-4 defensive end in new coordinator Joe Cullen’s scheme. Coach Urban Meyer made it clear last week that the team’s defensive makeover would start along the D-line.
Jacksonville has 2019 Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Allen and nose tackle DaVon Hamilton, a third-round draft pick a year ago, but is looking to make significant additions around those two. K’Lavon Chaisson, the 20th overall pick in 2020, could make a jump while moving from defensive end to a more natural fit at outside linebacker.
Robertson-Harris started just 13 games over four seasons with the Bears. He injured a shoulder last year and missed the final seven games. He had surgery in November and has been cleared to work out beginning next month.
The addition of Robertson-Harris didn’t provide the kind of splash Jaguars fans were hoping for with the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period. Instead, they landed guys who spent their first contracts as backups.
Jacksonville began the day with more salary-cap space (nearly $73 million) and holes everywhere. General manager Trent Baalke stressed finding value, and that could be Robertson-Harris. An undrafted rookie in 2016, he notched 75 tackles, including 7 1/2 sacks, during his time in Chicago.
Meyer also showed his commitment to special teams by agreeing to terms with safety Rudy Ford and receiver Jamal Agnew. Ford led Philadelphia and ranked fifth in the NFL with 10 solo special teams tackles last year. Agnew averaged 28 yards a kick return and 12.7 a punt return.
Ford agreed to terms on a two-year, $4.2 million deal, according to NFL Network. Agnew agreed to terms on a three-year deal that could max out at $21 million with incentives, according to NFL Network.
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