Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone speaks during a press conference at the Miller Electric Center, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

James Gladstone Keeps Another Key Jaguars Free Agent

Originally posted on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI
By John Shipley | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 12:33 PM ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For the second time on Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars kept another key piece of their defense before free agency.

The Jaguars announced the re-signing of linebacker Dennis Gardeck on Monday, making him the second free agency retained before the tampering period after cornerback Montaric Brown.

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Gardeck Comes Back

Gardeck played in all 17 games for the Jaguars last season, making eight starts and producing 37 tackles, nine quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble as well as 11 special teams tackles. He spent his first seven seasons in Arizona (2018-24) after entering the NFL with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.

In 113 career games (25 starts), he has totaled 144 tackles, 44 quarterback hits, 29 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He also added 60 special teams tackles. Gardeck is a two-time Pro Bowl alternate (2019, 2022), a four-time team captain (2020-23) and a two-time Salute to Service award nominee (2019, 2023).

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Simply put, the retainment of Gardeck is another win for general manager James Gladstone and the rest of the Jaguars' front office. While contract details are not yet available, it is highly unlikely that Gardeck signed a deal that is going to break the bank for a franchise that still has work to do when it comes to their cap space.

Gardeck does give the Jaguars great flexibility and security at two positions: strong side linebacker and designated pass-rusher. Gardeck would start games for the Jaguars at outside linebacker and playa unique role in Anthony Campanile's defense that no other Jaguars linebacker proved they could play.

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Aside from his role at linebacker, Gardeck became a key part of the Jaguars' third-down rush packages. One could even make the argument that he is the reason the Jaguars were able to play Travon Walker inside at times as the season went on. With Gardeck more than holding his own at the edge spot across from Josh Hines-Allen, the Jaguars were able to move Walker around the defensive line.

The Jaguars will surely hope to develop a similar style of player in 2025 Day 3 pick Jalen McLeod, but he missed his entire rookie season with injury. Until the Jaguars see what they have in him, they can rely on Gardeck as a productive veteran in the role moving forward.

This article first appeared on Jacksonville Jaguars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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