Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB

In the NFL, a strong offensive line is the backbone of a successful offense—especially for a team with a franchise quarterback like the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence. This offseason, the Jaguars took a critical step to shore up their line by signing veteran offensive tackle Chuma Udoga, a move designed to address a longstanding need for consistency in protecting Lawrence’s blind side. Udoga, a six-year NFL veteran with experience playing both left and right tackle, arrives in Jacksonville after spending the past two seasons with the New England Patriots, where he established himself as a reliable pass-blocker and a physical run-blocker. For the Jaguars, who allowed 42 sacks in 2024 (15th in the league) and struggled with injuries along the offensive line, Udoga’s addition isn’t just a roster upgrade—it’s a commitment to keeping Lawrence healthy and giving him the time he needs to make plays. As the Jaguars prepare for the 2025 season, Udoga’s role in stabilizing the offensive line will be pivotal to their playoff aspirations, making Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB a key storyline in the team’s offseason rebuild.

Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB comes after a career that has seen Udoga evolve from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran capable of anchoring an offensive line. Drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of USC, Udoga spent his early years learning from veteran offensive linemen like Trent Brown and David Andrews, honing his technique and developing a reputation for durability—he has missed just 10 games in his six-year career. His breakout season came in 2023, when he started all 17 games at left tackle for the Patriots, allowing just 3 sacks and earning a 78.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF)—the 12th-highest grade among all offensive tackles that season. What sets Udoga apart is his versatility: he has started games at both left and right tackle, giving coaches flexibility to adjust the line based on injuries or opponent matchups. For the Jaguars, who have rotated multiple players at left tackle over the past two seasons, Udoga’s ability to play multiple positions and stay healthy makes him a valuable addition to a unit that has lacked stability.

A closer look at Udoga’s playing style reveals exactly why he’s a perfect fit for the Jaguars’ offense and their goal of protecting Lawrence. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Udoga has the size and strength to handle elite pass-rushers—his 34-inch arms allow him to maintain distance from defenders, while his lower-body strength helps him anchor against power rushers like the Indianapolis Colts’ DeForest Buckner. But Udoga isn’t just a physical presence; he’s also a technically sound lineman who uses quick feet and precise hand placement to neutralize speed rushers. His ability to read defensive fronts and adjust his blocking assignments on the fly aligns with the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, which relies on the offensive line to make pre-snap adjustments to counter blitzes. In run blocking, Udoga excels at creating lanes for running backs—he’s particularly effective in zone-blocking schemes, where he uses his athleticism to move downfield and seal off linebackers. This combination of pass-blocking prowess and run-blocking ability makes Udoga a two-way threat, capable of contributing to both the Jaguars’ passing game (which ranked 10th in yards in 2024) and their running game (which ranked 18th).

A key reason behind Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB is the Jaguars’ desire to fix the left tackle position, which has been a rotating door of players since 2023. The Jacksonville Jaguars tried three different left tackles last season—Cam Robinson, Walker Little, and a rookie free agent—and none were able to provide consistent protection for Lawrence. Robinson, who started 10 games at left tackle, allowed 7 sacks and struggled with penalties, while Little missed 8 games due to injury. This inconsistency forced Lawrence to scramble more often than he should have, leading to rushed decisions and unnecessary turnovers. By signing Udoga, the Jaguars are bringing in a proven starter who can lock down the left tackle spot and provide the stability the line has lacked. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this move isn’t just about protecting Lawrence in the short term; it’s about building an offensive line that can support their franchise quarterback for years to come, ensuring the team remains competitive in the tough AFC South.

Another critical aspect of Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB is the impact Udoga will have on the rest of the Jaguars’ offensive line, both on and off the field. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line features a mix of young players and veterans, including center Luke Fortner (a third-year player) and right guard Ben Bartch (a fourth-year player), who can benefit from Udoga’s experience. Udoga has a history of mentoring young linemen—during his time in New England, he helped rookie tackle Trent Brown Jr. adjust to the NFL—and he’s already started working with Fortner and Bartch during offseason workouts, sharing tips on pass-blocking technique and pre-snap communication. Off the field, Udoga’s professionalism and work ethic are expected to set a positive example for the team’s younger players, many of whom are still learning the ropes of the NFL. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Udoga’s leadership could be just as valuable as his on-field play, helping to build a culture of excellence along the offensive line that will benefit the entire team.

As the 2025 season approaches, Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB remains a top storyline for the Jaguars, with fans and analysts eager to see how Udoga will perform in a new system. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Udoga’s addition is a sign that the team is serious about competing for a playoff spot and protecting their most valuable asset—Trevor Lawrence. Early reports from offseason workouts have been positive: Udoga has quickly adapted to the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, and Lawrence has praised his ability to “keep pressure off me and give me time to find my receivers.” While there will be challenges—Udoga will need to adjust to the speed of the AFC South’s pass-rushers, including the Texans’ Jonathan Greenard—his track record of success suggests he’s up to the task. In the end, Chuma Udoga Joins Offensive Line to Protect Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB is more than a free-agent signing; it’s a statement of intent from the Jaguars, who are determined to build an offense that can showcase Lawrence’s talent and compete for a division title. With Udoga anchoring the left tackle spot, the Jaguars’ offensive line is poised to become one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2025.