The Jaguars May Be the NFL’s UDFA Kings Again in 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars are, once again, expected to be among the most aggressive teams in 2026 NFL undrafted free agency, continuing a trend of building depth after the draft.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 9: Danny Striggow #92 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field after a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Everbank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images With Thursday night kicking off the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently expected to add somewhere between 15 and 18 undrafted free agents (UDFAs) following this weekend’s action in Pittsburgh, per OverTheCap . Of course, this figure depends on post-draft veteran signings, potential draft day trades, and unforeseen offseason cuts shaping the 2026 roster.
With GM James Gladstone executing three draft day trades in 2025, it would be reasonable to expect Jacksonville may not use every 2026 draft pick on a selection. For context, the Jaguars signed a league-leading 22 undrafted free agents following the 2025 draft, in James Gladstone’s opening offseason with the team. That aggressive approach to the post-draft market is clearly no accident.
I keep forgetting to estimate how many undrafted free agents team might sign, but I won't forget for 2026. pic. twitter.
com/dPgjRrSfcT — Nick Korte (@nickkorte) April 20, 2026 No Stone Left Unturned The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, both lead by Sean McVay former coaches, currently land top three in the NFL in estimated post-draft UDFAs, which seems systematic. The Vikings signed 21 in 2025, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the second highest total in the NFL. For a front office that has demonstrated a clear commitment to allowing open runways for roster depth and the draft-and-develop model, the UDFA pool of players represent a final opportunity to add competitive bodies.