Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one acquisition has quietly emerged as a cornerstone for their offensive line: the signing of veteran Robert Hainsey to a two-year contract. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey is more than a free-agent addition—it’s a strategic move to fix a unit that struggled with consistency and injuries in 2024, while also providing the flexibility to adapt to in-game challenges. For an offense led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, a strong offensive line is non-negotiable, and Hainsey’s arrival brings both experience and reliability to a group still finding its footing. As the Jaguars aim to compete for an AFC South title and deeper playoff run, Hainsey’s impact on the offensive line could be the difference between a good season and a great one.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey comes after Hainsey spent four productive seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s most versatile interior linemen. Drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Hainsey started 38 games over four seasons, splitting time between center and guard—two positions where the Jaguars needed the most help. His ability to excel at both spots is a rare skill: in 2024, he graded above 70.0 in both pass protection and run blocking at center (per Pro Football Focus) while also filling in at right guard for six games without a drop-off in performance. At Notre Dame, Hainsey was a three-year starter, earning All-ACC honors twice and showing the same positional flexibility that would define his NFL career. What sets Hainsey apart is his combination of strength (he can bench press 315 lbs 22 times) and football IQ—he quickly reads defensive shifts and communicates adjustments to his fellow linemen, a trait that caught the Jaguars’ attention during free agency. After four seasons in Tampa Bay, Hainsey was eager to join a young, talented Jaguars team: “This is a franchise on the rise,” he said. “I want to help build something special, and that starts with a strong offensive line.”

A key reason Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey is the Jaguars’ need to address instability at center and guard—issues that plagued them in 2024. Last season, the Jaguars rotated three different centers (including a rookie) and two guards, leading to miscommunications that resulted in 28 pressures on Lawrence and a 62% third-and-1 conversion rate (well below the league average of 71%). The interior line also struggled with injuries: starting center Luke Fortner missed five games with a knee injury, and backup guard Chandler Brewer sat out six contests with an ankle issue. This inconsistency forced Doug Pederson to limit aggressive playcalls, relying more on Etienne’s mobility to compensate for line gaps. Hainsey’s versatility fixes this problem: he can start at center full-time while also serving as a backup guard, eliminating the need for constant rotations. “Robert gives us stability we didn’t have last year,” offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “He can play two positions at a high level, which means we don’t have to panic if someone gets hurt. That’s a game-changer for our offense.”

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey has been evident in training camp and preseason, where Hainsey has quickly become a leader on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line. In three preseason games, Hainsey started all three at center, allowing just one pressure and no sacks while helping the Jaguars rush for 178+ yards in two contests. His best performance came against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, where he made critical adjustments to block Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett—one of the NFL’s top interior pass rushers—on three key third-down plays, leading to conversions. Hainsey has also taken on a mentorship role, working with rookie center Ben Sinnott (a second-round draft pick) to refine his technique and game recognition. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has been impressed by how quickly Hainsey has integrated into the offense: “He’s learned our playbook faster than any free-agent lineman we’ve signed,” Rauscher noted. “He’s not just playing—he’s leading. That’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.”

Another benefit of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey is how he fits Doug Pederson’s zone-running scheme, which relies on linemen to move in sync and create lanes for Etienne. Hainsey’s agility (he ran a 4.98-second 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine, fast for a 302-lb lineman) allows him to pull on run plays and seal off linebackers—skills that were missing from the Jaguars’ interior line in 2024. In preseason, the Jaguars’ zone runs behind Hainsey averaged 4.8 yards per carry, up from 3.9 yards per carry in 2024. Hainsey’s pass protection is equally valuable: he has a knack for anticipating blitzes and adjusting his blocking assignment, which will help protect Lawrence against teams like the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts, who rely on interior blitzes. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has already shown signs of improvement with Hainsey in the lineup: Lawrence has had more time to throw in preseason, and Etienne has found more running lanes up the middle. “Robert makes our offense click,” Lawrence said. “When the center is solid, everything else falls into place. He’s exactly what we needed.”

Looking ahead, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey is a move that will pay dividends for the Jacksonville Jaguars both in 2025 and beyond. Hainsey’s two-year contract gives the Jaguars stability at center while also allowing Sinnott to develop slowly, ensuring the position is secure for years to come. His leadership will also help young linemen like Wyatt Milum and Andre Dillard grow, creating a culture of excellence on the offensive line. For the Jaguars, a strong offensive line isn’t just about protecting Lawrence—it’s about unlocking the full potential of their offense, from Etienne’s running game to Travis Hunter’s playmaking ability. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Jaguars’ offensive line, and Hainsey will be at the center of it all. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offensive Line Gets Boost from Robert Hainsey isn’t just about adding a player; it’s about the Jaguars taking a critical step toward becoming a championship-caliber team. With Hainsey leading the way, the offensive line is no longer a weakness—it’s a strength.