Why the Jaguars Re-Signed Dawuane Smoot: ‘He’s a Guy That Wears a Bunch of Different Hats’

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had plenty of positive momentum lately, and it has been in large part because of so many returning faces.

The Jaguars are bringing back the vast majority of last year's locally-beloved AFC South title squad, and in the lead-up to training camp managed to extend fan-favorite tight end Evan Engram and re-sign free-agent Dawaune Smoot. 

But why is Smoot's signing so important to the Jaguars, especially if he can't hit the field for another few weeks and potentially months? For the Jaguars' staff, it is simple. 

"Well, number one, leadership," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said this week. 

"He was another one at the end of the year before the injury that was being disruptive. Another one, obviously, in the pass rush conversation. He’s probably a little later as for coming back to the football team because of a later injury during the season. I think his leadership, his pass rush ability, the fact that he can play inside and outside, his versatility there. 

"Those are the guys that we were hoping to get back, right. One of the free agents on the team we were trying to resign, and we were excited that we did.”

A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smoot appeared in 90 games for the Jaguars over the past six seasons, recording 22.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. One of the best developmental stories in recent Jaguars history, Smoot was able to become one of the Jaguars' most reliable pass-rushers in recent seasons as he transitioned to more of an inside/outside role that saw him line up in multiple positions.

At the time of his Achilles injury against the New York Jets in Week 16, Smoot was second on the team in pressures, fourth in quarterback hits, first in sacks, and second in pass-rush win rate. He recorded five sacks in each of the last four seasons, recording 22.5 sacks in that span and often looking like Jacksonville's most consistent pass-rusher. 

For a Jaguars' pass-rush that is still finding itself early on in training camp, the eventual return of Smoot to the rotation will be a welcomed one. While a number of players still have to earn roles and prove their skill-sets, Smoot is someone that Jaguars' defensive staff knows as well as anyone. 

"To get Smoot here, last year the team really gelled so well late in the season. Certain guys filled in certain roles, and he’s a guy that he has a role on the team and we always wanted our guys back," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. 

"It’s good that it took awhile to get him back, but now he’s back and when he’s back on the field with us fully, that’ll be great. But we’re just excited to have him back, his leadership in the outside linebacker room, defensive line room, he gives us versatility to be able to rush inside and rush outside. He’s a guy that wears a bunch of different hats for us, and it’s always good to have a veteran guy be able to do that.”