The Jacksonville Jaguars have set their initial 53-player roster for the 2026 regular season, with general manager James Gladstone discussing five personnel storylines on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Jacksonville moved to the NFL roster limit on the Sunday before the announcement. The Jaguars open the regular season against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium on Sept. 13.
Bryan Thomas Jr. earns roster spot
Rookie defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. was the only undrafted free agent to make the Jacksonville Jaguars’ initial 2026 regular-season roster. He recorded a team-high 3.5 preseason sacks and became the third undrafted free agent to make the Jaguars’ first regular-season roster in the past two seasons. Defensive ends Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II made the roster in 2025, while linebacker Branson Combs began that season on the practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent and is on the 2026 roster.
Gladstone said performance will determine who earns opportunities. “When you earn it, you’re going to get it,” Gladstone said.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Parker Washington continue extension talks
The Jacksonville Jaguars and wide receiver Parker Washington have made significant progress toward a contract extension, Gladstone said. Washington was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and became eligible for an extension at the start of the 2026 NFL League year in March. Gladstone said the discussions can continue into the regular season.
“We’re certainly in a position where we’re not going to stop talking and try to figure something out,” Gladstone said. He also cited Washington’s focus, determination and consistency, saying those qualities are rooted in the wide receiver’s daily actions.
Quinn Ewers arrives in late roster move
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers from the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 29 in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the 2028 NFL Draft, pending a physical. Gladstone said the possibility of acquiring Ewers developed quickly after Jacksonville evaluated its quarterback position during training camp and the preseason. The Jaguars released Nick Mullens the following day and re-signed him to the practice squad on Monday.
Trevor Lawrence and Quinn Ewers are the only quarterbacks on the Jaguars’ roster, according to the source. Gladstone said the Jaguars felt comfortable with Ewers’ upward trajectory after reviewing games from his rookie campaign and wanted to continue working with him and developing him for the future.
Nick Mullens remains part of quarterback plan
Nick Mullens remains important to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback situation despite beginning the season on the practice squad. Gladstone said the eight-year veteran’s presence and familiarity with the Jaguars’ offensive system “means a ton.” Gladstone also described Mullens as “like having another coach in the room.”
Gladstone said Mullens can operate the offense as intended and praised the quarterback’s professionalism during the transition. He said Mullens is contributing as a teammate and partner while the Jaguars determine how the situation unfolds during the season.
Emmanuel Pregnon pushes into guard competition
Rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon progressed quickly during training camp after the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the third round from the University of Oregon. Pregnon worked extensively at first-team left guard late in camp, and Gladstone said he had earned trust from teammates and coaches. “He is in a really good spot,” Gladstone said.
Ezra Cleveland, who started at left guard in 2025, has worked at starting right guard in recent weeks. The Jaguars placed 2025 starting right guard Patrick Mekari on injured reserve/designated to return on Sunday, meaning he must miss at least the first four regular-season games. Gladstone said he expects Mekari’s return threshold to come quickly after that minimum absence.
Source: Original report