In his first year calling the shots as general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, James Gladstone wasted no time putting his stamp on the roster. Seven trades-excluding the draft-highlighted an aggressive approach that showed he’s not afraid to shake things up if it means improving the team’s long-term outlook or addressing immediate needs.
Now that the offseason has arrived, it’s a good time to take a closer look at each of those moves and what they meant for the Jaguars both in the moment and as the season played out.
Christian Kirk traded to the Texans
This one came early in the offseason and raised some eyebrows. Gladstone sent wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Texans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. On paper, it wasn’t a blockbuster return, but the move cleared over $10 million in cap space for 2025-a significant chunk of financial flexibility for a team looking to retool.
Kirk’s time in Jacksonville had been marred by injuries-he played in just 19 of 34 possible games over the final two seasons-but his talent was never in question. In Houston, he found new life.
While his regular season numbers were modest (28 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown), he showed up in a big way when it mattered most, torching Pittsburgh in the playoffs for 144 yards and a score on eight grabs. That kind of postseason performance is exactly what the Texans were hoping for.
Khalen Saunders acquired from the Saints
This was a classic football trade: center Luke Fortner to New Orleans, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville. The Jaguars had already addressed the center position in free agency by signing Robert Hainsey and then doubled down by drafting Jonah Monheim, so Fortner became expendable.
Saunders was brought in to shore up what was arguably the Jaguars’ thinnest position group. But the move didn’t pan out the way Gladstone had hoped.
Saunders struggled to find a role and was rarely active on game days. Eventually, the team cut ties with him midseason.
It was a calculated gamble that didn’t hit, but one that made sense given the roster construction at the time.
Fred Johnson shipped to the Eagles
This one was all about value. Rather than simply cutting offensive tackle Fred Johnson ahead of final roster decisions, the Jaguars flipped him to the Eagles for a 2026 seventh-round pick. It wasn’t a headline-grabber, but it was a savvy move that turned a potential release into a future asset.
Tim Patrick brought in from the Lions
Before final cuts even rolled around, the Jaguars were clearly looking to add experience to a young receiver room. They found it in Tim Patrick, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Lions in return.
Patrick didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he played a valuable role as a steady veteran presence. He climbed the depth chart as the season wore on, eventually passing Dyami Brown and stepping in when injuries hit the position group. He finished with 15 catches for 187 yards and three touchdowns-solid production for a mid-round investment and proof of his reliability when called upon.
Tank Bigsby traded to the Eagles
With a crowded backfield, something had to give. The Jaguars dealt running back Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Bigsby went on to rack up 344 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles, finding a role in their rotation.
For Jacksonville, the move was more about clearing the logjam and recouping value. The running back room had depth, and Bigsby became the odd man out.
Tyson Campbell swapped for Greg Newsome
This was one of the more intriguing moves of the season. The Jaguars sent cornerback Tyson Campbell to the Browns and brought back Greg Newsome, with a swap of late-round 2026 picks included.
From a financial standpoint, it made sense-Campbell’s contract was a factor, and moving him gave the Jaguars more room to maneuver in 2026 and beyond. On the field, Newsome stepped in and held his own.
He allowed a 68% completion rate on 56 targets, giving up 11.7 yards per reception, while adding one interception and a pass breakup. Not elite numbers, but serviceable-and he remains under contract through next season.
Jakobi Meyers acquired from the Raiders
This was the big one. Gladstone sent a fourth- and sixth-round pick in 2026 to Las Vegas for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and it paid off in a major way.
Meyers brought exactly what the Jaguars needed: a dependable, versatile receiver who could thrive in Liam Coen’s offense. Whether lining up inside or outside, Meyers showed a willingness to block, run crisp routes, and do the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. The Jaguars liked what they saw enough to extend him, locking in a key piece for the future.
Final Thoughts
Seven trades. Some hit, some missed, but the through-line is clear: James Gladstone isn’t sitting back and waiting for things to happen.
He’s actively shaping the roster with a mix of short-term pragmatism and long-term planning. Whether it was offloading contracts, adding veteran depth, or making a splash with a player like Meyers, Gladstone showed a willingness to move decisively.
As Jacksonville heads into another pivotal offseason, it’s safe to say the Jaguars’ front office won’t be standing still. If year one was any indication, Gladstone’s phone will be busy.