Jaguars bring back player who they drafted nearly a decade ago after only one season with a different team

Smoot played last season with the Buffalo Bills. He is currently thirty years old. He totaled 1.5 sacks for Buffalo last season. 

From 2019-2022, Smoot totaled 22.5 sacks for the Jaguars. He's now battling for a depth role in Jacksonville, alongside Emmanuel Ogbah, Myles Cole, among others. 

We will see if this reunion lands Smoot on the active roster to begin the season. Past the starters off the edge for Jacksonville, there is limited experience and production. It wouldn't shock me to see him lock up a spot simply due to his connections with the team and prior success for the Jags. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed some help on the offensive and defensive side of the ball still, even after the 2025 NFL Draft. They needed help still in the wide receiver room, but nothing crazy, and they needed depth on the defensive line. I think it's easy to forget just how many players this new regime let walk and simply cut this offseason.

The Jaguars know that winning the AFC South will come by way of the trenches, and depth of those trenches, which is why Smoot makes so much sense. And then for Irwin, they needed some experience in the room, but also a guy that can help fill in if needed. This is a team that has been through so many injuries in the last few years, especially at skill positions. The last thing you want is for the offense to be clicking and Trevor Lawrence not have anyone to throw the ball to. -- Justin Churchill

Jaguars also sign veteran WR Trenton Irwin

The Jaguars also announced the signing of wide receiver Trenton Irwin. The wideout has spent the past six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a depth option for Joe Burrow's unit and created a strong rapport with the QB and coaching staff.

I discussed Irwin's role with the Bengals in recent years and how he could earn a roster spot for the Jaguars with A to Z's own John Sheeran.

Trenton Irwin was Cincinnati's hidden wideout behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins during the past few years. He gained immense trust from Joe Burrow for his reliable hands and ability to run routes from different alingments. Those attributes kept him on the roster for longer than some would've anticipated, but his lack of dynanicism eventually caught up to him and other younger players were in need of chances. He's a decent receiver to round out a room and has played plenty of ball in meaningful games. -- John Sheeran

Expect Irwin to compete for another depth job in Jacksonville. He doesn't project was a starter, but he's proven to be able to give an NFL team strong reps when necessary due to injuries. 

Irwin totaled over 200 receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023 for Cincy and has special teams experience. 

Both of these moves are simply veteran competition for the Jags. That being said, both positions could use some veteran presence and capable bodies at the pro level - plain and simple. We'll see if Smoot and Irwin can earn long-term depth roles for Jacksonville.