The Green Bay Packers drafted Josiah Deguara in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite an exceptional college career, the TE couldn’t find consistency with the Packers, as he was released after the 2023 season and became a free agent.
For Josiah Deguara, facing the grim reality of the NFL free agency wasn’t a long process, as reportedly he has already signed with a new team for the upcoming season.
Jaguars signs Josiah Deguara to a one-year deal
After Josiah Deguara hit free agency, it was expected that the Packers were not interested in signing him back. However, no one expected the Jaguars to sign another former Packers player.
It was reported on Thursday that Josiah Deguara signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the other details of the contract, such as the sum of money involved, have not been revealed, it has been confirmed that the TE is moving to the Jaguars for the 2024 season.
The Jaguars have been very active this offseason and signed multiple players. Now, the team is working on their tight-end positions. They have given Deguara a chance to prove himself within this one year. If he would be able to perform well, he could get an extension as well.
Considering Josiah Deguara’s decline in performance in recent years, he might not be able to add much as the receiver, but he is expected to earn a spot on the roster for his prowess as a run blocker and a special teamer as he was a core special teamer for the Packers.
Why did Packers let go Josiah Deguara?
When Josiah Deguara joined the Green Bay Packers, it was expected that he would become a top tight end of the team. But unfortunately, his injuries didn’t let him play to his full potential. He had an incredible career in college, including 1,110 yards and 13 total touchdowns. But his rookie season in the NFL was cut short due to a torn ACL.
He returned to the field in 2021 but his performance wasn’t as exceptional as expected. Aaron Rodgers was spotted screaming at the TE on multiple occasions which clarified that Josiah was not playing up to the mark.
Last year, Rodgers moved to the Jets and Jordan Love became the starting QB of the Packers. It was expected that with a new QB on the team, the performance of Josiah Deguara would also improve.
But he couldn’t prove himself even last year. The team already had more talented and younger TEs on their roster who didn’t let Josiah show his full potential.
His performance saw a decline in 2023, with a drop to 196 snaps and eight receptions. He caught eight passes last season. From Game 9 vs. Pittsburgh through the playoffs, he was not targeted a single time in the passing game.
Josiah Deguara’s decreased role compelled the Packers to let him go. Now, he has joined the Jaguars and hopefully there he will get a chance to improve and thrive for more success.
