Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars push for a playoff spot in the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season, the team’s front office announced a series of strategic roster moves this week—aimed at addressing depth issues, shoring up key positions, and maximizing the team’s competitiveness in critical upcoming games. The transactions, posted on the NFL’s official transaction wire and the Jaguars’ team website, include a mix of free-agent signings, practice squad promotions, and roster cuts—each tailored to fix gaps exposed in recent losses to the Bills and Texans. With the Jaguars currently holding a 7-6 record and tied for the final AFC wildcard spot, these moves aren’t just routine adjustments; they’re calculated steps to strengthen the roster for a potential postseason run. Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks down the key changes, their rationale, and how they’ll impact the team moving forward.

Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars first focuses on the Jaguars’ most significant addition: signing veteran running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year, $2.1 million deal. The move comes after starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Week 13, leaving the Jaguars thin at the position with only JaMycal Hasty and rookie Tank Bigsby as healthy options. Hunt, a former Pro Bowler with 4,200 career rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns, brings a versatile skill set—able to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and contribute on special teams. The Jaguars’ official statement highlighted Hunt’s “proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations” and noted he’d be available for Week 14’s game against the Colts. “Kareem adds immediate depth and a veteran presence to our backfield,” said Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke. “He’s played in big games, and his experience will be invaluable as we head into the final weeks of the season. We’re excited to have him join the team.”

Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars next delves into the team’s adjustments to the offensive line, which has struggled with injuries and inconsistent pass protection. The Jaguars promoted offensive tackle Blake Hance from the practice squad to the active roster and signed veteran guard Max Garcia to a reserve/future contract. Hance, who spent the first 13 weeks on the practice squad, has 12 career NFL starts at both tackle and guard—flexibility that will help the Jaguars fill in for left tackle Cam Robinson, who’s dealing with a knee injury. Garcia, a 10-year veteran who played for the Cardinals last season, will provide depth in case of further injuries and could compete for a spot on the 2026 roster. The moves come after the Jaguars allowed 5 sacks in their Week 13 loss to the Texans, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence sacked 3 times in the fourth quarter alone. “Our offensive line is the foundation of our offense, so we need to ensure we have reliable depth,” said Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher. “Blake has worked hard all season and earned this opportunity, while Max brings the kind of experience that can stabilize the unit if we need him.”

Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars also explores the team’s decision to waive cornerback Tre Herndon and promote cornerback Christian Matthew from the practice squad. Herndon, a four-year Jaguar, had struggled with inconsistency this season—allowing a 68% completion rate when targeted and committing 3 pass interference penalties. Matthew, a 2023 seventh-round pick, has impressed coaches in practice with his speed and ball skills, recording 4 interceptions in scout team drills. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this move is about prioritizing performance and giving younger players a chance to contribute. “We’re in a win-now mode, so every spot on the roster needs to be filled by someone who can help us win,” said Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. “Christian has shown he has the talent to compete at this level, and we’re excited to see what he can do in game action. This move also sends a message that performance matters, regardless of tenure.” Matthew is expected to serve as the Jaguars’ third cornerback against the Colts, backing up starters Shaquill Griffin and Darious Williams.

Another layer of Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the team’s adjustment to the special teams unit, which has struggled with punt returns this season. The Jaguars signed veteran punt returner Andre Roberts to a one-year deal and released rookie returner Xavier Hutchinson. Roberts, a 14-year NFL veteran, has returned 4 punts for touchdowns in his career and averaged 9.2 yards per punt return last season with the Texans. The move comes after the Jaguars ranked 29th in the NFL in punt return average (6.1 yards per return) and had two punt returns fumbled in the last three games. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, special teams can be the difference in close games, making this move a critical one for their playoff hopes. “Special teams wins games, especially in the postseason,” said Jaguars special teams coordinator Brian Schneider. “Andre is one of the best in the business at returning punts—he’s reliable, he makes good decisions, and he can change the field position with one play. Adding him gives us a huge boost in that phase of the game.”

Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Jacksonville Jaguars closes with the broader implications of these moves for the team’s playoff push and future roster building. The addition of Hunt and Roberts addresses immediate needs, while the promotion of Matthew and Hance gives the Jaguars a chance to evaluate young talent for next season. The moves also reflect the Jaguars’ commitment to flexibility—signing players to short-term deals that don’t tie up cap space long-term, allowing the team to pursue bigger targets in the offseason. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, these roster transactions are a balancing act between winning now and planning for the future. “We’re focused on making the playoffs this year, but we also have to be smart about our long-term goals,” Baalke said. “These moves help us compete in the short term while keeping our options open for next season. Our fans deserve to see this team in the postseason, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen.” As the Jaguars prepare for their Week 14 matchup against the Colts, these roster moves will give them a healthier, more experienced lineup—one that’s ready to fight for every win in the final weeks of the season.