As expected, former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson commanded strong interest on the free-agent market, netting a six-year, $90 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that will become official when the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
In Pro Football Focus grading, Jackson boasted the seventh-best pass-rush rating among all interior defensive linemen last season (88.5) as he progressed as an unsung hero for the Super Bowl champions. After a slow start to his career in 2012, Jackson had a strong 2013 season and a breakout 2014 campaign. He notched four sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 33 hurries on 435 rushes, per PFF grading. He improved again in 2015 with seven sacks, 12 hits, and 56 hurries on 652 rushes, including the Super Bowl run. Perhaps most importantly, Jackson stayed sturdy against the run -- he posted an 81.0 grade -- while playing 75.4 percent of Denver's snaps, besting his career high of 55 percent in 2013.
Jackson's leap to full-time status set the tone for his big free-agent contract, and the Jaguars immediately upgrade the interior of their defensive line with his signing.
Jackson's pass-rushing prowess will provide the most immediate impact, sparking the Jaguars' ability to create pressure up the middle. He led the league in pressures that came against guards -- as a team, the Jaguars ranked 15th. Ryan Davis, the Jags' only interior pass-rushing threat, is a third down specialist, so Jackson immediately becomes their best all-around option. There are also stylistic differences, as Jackson is more of a power rusher -- 40 percent of his pressures came from bullrushes, well above the league average. Davis, on the other hand, is more of a speed rusher, so the Jaguars have the versatility to take advantage of favorable matchups on passing downs.
While Jackson's paycheck stems mostly from his ability to affect the passer, his strong play against the run ties it all together. Jacksonville's defensive front had issues stopping the run as only nose tackle Roy Miller posted a reasonable rating (79.5). Jackson brings versatility to the front as he can take on guards in the running game while also moving to the outside against offensive tackles and tight ends. That will likely be his role on early downs, similar to Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks, before isolating on guards in pass-rushing situations.
With Jackson's experience playing multiple spots along the defensive front, the Jaguars can ease the transition of 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury. While Fowler projects to a similar position, Jackson can hold up against guards as a 3-technique defensive tackle while Fowler plays more of an end role.
The last piece of the puzzle up front for the Jaguars is at their Leo position, which necessitates an explosive edge rusher. With few options on the current roster, and reports that free agent Olivier Vernon may still be in play, Jacksonville's defensive overhaul could be a game-changer for the organization. Jackson's versatility and interior pass-rushing production is the glue to the reclamation project.