Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line

In a strategic move to fortify one of the NFL’s most critical units, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed veteran offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2025—a addition that immediately addresses the team’s need for experienced depth and positional flexibility along the offensive line. Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line highlights the value of a player with six seasons of NFL experience (all with the Baltimore Ravens), where he proved capable of starting at both tackle and guard while providing consistent protection for quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs. At 6’4”, 308 pounds, Mekari brings a blend of technical precision (he allowed just 2 sacks in 14 starts for the Ravens in 2024) and physicality (he recorded 18 pancake blocks last season) that fits seamlessly into Doug Pederson’s offensive scheme. For a Jaguars team aiming to protect franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and sustain Travis Etienne Jr.’s rushing success, Mekari isn’t just a depth signing—he’s a proven contributor who can step into a starting role at a moment’s notice, ensuring the offensive line remains a strength rather than a liability. Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line also reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to building a resilient roster, where no single injury can derail their Super Bowl aspirations. This article explores Mekari’s skill set, his fit in Jacksonville, and how he’s elevating the O-line during training camp.

Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line began with a clear need: the Jaguars’ offensive line, while solid in 2024, lacked experienced depth behind starters like left tackle Cam Robinson and right guard Brandon Scherff. When backup tackle Walker Little suffered a knee injury during the 2025 off-season, the team turned to Mekari—a player they’d scouted for years, impressed by his ability to adapt to multiple positions. Mekari’s NFL journey has been defined by versatility: after signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he spent his first two seasons learning tackle and guard before becoming a reliable swing lineman. By 2023, he’d emerged as a full-time starter, opening 16 games at right tackle and helping the Ravens rush for 142 yards per game (3rd in the NFL). His 2024 season was equally strong: he split time between left guard and right tackle, allowing just 8 pressures in over 800 snaps and earning a 72.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—well above the league average for offensive linemen. “Patrick is the kind of player every team wants on their O-line,” said Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, who worked with Mekari briefly in Baltimore. “He’s smart, he’s tough, and he can play anywhere you need him. That’s the kind of flexibility that wins games in the NFL.” For the Jaguars, Mekari’s ability to play both tackle and guard meant they could address two potential depth needs with a single signing—a cost-effective move that freed up cap space for other roster improvements.

Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line also shines a light on his immediate impact during the 2025 training camp, where he quickly established himself as a key part of the O-line rotation. With Little sidelined, Mekari stepped in as the primary backup at both left and right tackle, taking reps with the first-team offense in practice to build chemistry with Lawrence and the rest of the line. One moment stood out during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins: when starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor needed a rest, Mekari stepped in and held Pro Bowl defensive end Jaelan Phillips to zero pressures in 15 snaps, using quick footwork to mirror Phillips’ speed and strong hand placement to disrupt his rush. “Patrick has fit right in from day one,” Lawrence said after the practice. “He communicates well with the rest of the line, he knows the playbook, and he doesn’t make mistakes. That’s huge for a quarterback—knowing you can trust the guy protecting your blind side, even if he’s not a starter.” Mekari also impressed in the Jaguars’ first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing 45 snaps at right guard and helping the team rush for 130 yards (4.8 yards per carry) while allowing zero sacks. His performance solidified his role as the Jaguars’ “swing lineman”—a player who can fill in at any tackle or guard position, ensuring the O-line remains consistent even if injuries strike.

Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on O-line resilience—a priority born from painful lessons in recent seasons. In 2023, the Jaguars lost two starting guards to injuries mid-season, forcing them to use inexperienced backups and leading to a drop in offensive production: Lawrence was sacked 12 more times than in 2022, and Etienne’s rushing average fell from 4.5 yards per carry to 3.8. This year, with Mekari in the fold, the Jaguars don’t face that risk. If Robinson (left tackle) or Taylor (right tackle) misses time, Mekari can step in at tackle; if Scherff (right guard) or Ben Bartch (left guard) is sidelined, he can shift to guard. This flexibility means the Jaguars won’t have to shuffle the entire line or rely on unproven rookies—a move that often creates new vulnerabilities. “Offensive line resilience is about more than just having backups—it’s about having backups who can play at a starting level,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “Patrick gives us that. He’s not just a fill-in—he’s a player who can start 17 games and help us win. That’s the kind of depth that separates good teams from great ones.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on O-line resilience is even more critical this season, as they face a schedule filled with elite pass-rushers like the Ravens’ Odafe Oweh, the Browns’ Myles Garrett, and the Bills’ Von Miller. With Mekari in the rotation, the Jaguars know their O-line can handle these challenges.

Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to building around Lawrence—a franchise quarterback who needs a strong O-line to reach his full potential. Lawrence, entering his fifth NFL season, has shown flashes of elite talent, but his performance has often been limited by inconsistent protection. In 2024, with a healthier O-line, he threw for 4,200 yards and 27 touchdowns while being sacked just 24 times—career bests. The Jaguars’ front office knows that to help Lawrence take the next step (and compete for MVP), they need to ensure he’s protected and that the running game remains a threat. Mekari’s signing is a direct investment in that goal: by adding a reliable lineman who can protect Lawrence’s blind side and open holes for Etienne, the Jaguars are giving their quarterback the tools he needs to lead the offense to new heights. “We’re building this team to win now, and that starts with protecting Trevor,” Pederson said. “Patrick’s signing is a big part of that. He’s a player who understands what it takes to win in this league, and he’s going to help Trevor and our offense be successful.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to building around Lawrence has already paid off in camp: Lawrence has looked more comfortable in the pocket, taking more deep shots and extending plays with his legs—confidence that comes from knowing he’s protected by a deep, talented O-line.

Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line concludes with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their strong O-line to fuel a Super Bowl run. For the Jaguars, the offensive line is the foundation of their success: it protects Lawrence, opens holes for Etienne, and gives the offense the time and space to execute Pederson’s scheme. With a starting five of Robinson, Bartch, Luke Fortner (center), Scherff, and Taylor—plus Mekari as the swing lineman—the Jaguars have one of the deepest, most talented O-lines in the NFL. This unit has the potential to be a “road grader” for Etienne’s rushing attack and a “brick wall” for Lawrence’s protection—two traits that are essential for winning in the playoffs. “Our O-line is going to be the key to our success this season,” Etienne said as the regular season approached. “Guys like Patrick don’t get the credit they deserve, but we all know how important they are. When we can run the ball effectively and keep Trevor upright, we can beat any team in the league.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their strong O-line to fuel a Super Bowl run is shared by Mekari, who’s eager to contribute to a winning team after years with the Ravens. “I came to Jacksonville because I believe this team can win a Super Bowl,” Mekari said. “The O-line is a big part of that, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes—whether that’s starting, coming off the bench, or helping the young guys get better. This is a special group, and I’m excited to be part of it.” Patrick Mekari’s Signing Strengthens Jacksonville Jaguars’ O-Line isn’t just a story about an offensive lineman—it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ strategic thinking, their commitment to winning, and their understanding that championships are built in the trenches. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on the Jaguars’ O-line, and Patrick Mekari will be ready to play his part in leading the team to glory.