The Jacksonville Jaguars have just beefed up their offense by adding another running back. Despite drafting TJ Yeldon out of Alabama early in the second round, the team adds yet another weapon to their team.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jacksonville Jaguars will sign New York Jets running back Chris Ivory to a lucrative contract. Other reports say Ivory could earn over $6 million a year with this new deal.
Former Jets' RB Chris Ivory is expected to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars when new league year begins, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
Toby Gerhart is expected to be released at the start of the new league year.
Chris Ivory had a career year in 2015 with his first career 1,000 yard season. He finished with 1,070 yards and seven scores on the ground in addition to over 200 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Here’s what Matthew Holowiak of NFL Mocks had to say about Chris Ivory heading into free agency
"Chris Ivory is a beast. Straight up a beast. He runs with pure violence. Ivory is coming off a career season, putting up his highest yards, attempts, touchdowns, receptions, reception yards, and unfortunately fumbles too. This was the first time in his career he eclipsed 200 carries, so the mileage is still fairly low for this first time pro bowler. He has proved he can be the lead back on a team needing a powerful runner. He should be signed fairly quickly compared to the other backs on the market. There are not many truly effective power backs left in the league."
Ivory will now join a young, prolific offense led by quarterback Blake Bortles, wide receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, and tight end Julius Thomas. Expect Ivory to receive the bulk of the carries at running back, but sophomore TJ Yeldon should not be disregarded so soon.
The Jaguars also signed away Denver Bronco defensive lineman Malik Jackson earlier today. The reported deal is worth 6 years, $90M with $42M guaranteed.