JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Get ready, Jaguars fans. The regular season is right around the corner.
The Jaguars open training camp on Wednesday for the third year of the Doug Pederson era. The expectations are significant. It’s the 30th season for the Jaguars and they’re looking to shake off the bad memories from a forgettable 2023 season. Jacksonville started 8-3 before a collapse that saw them lose five of its final six games.
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The Jaguars finished 9-8 for the second consecutive season, but it felt quite a bit different last year than in 2022.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence signed the richest contract extension in franchise history and needs to show that he’s worth it. Edge Josh Hines-Allen cashed in with a five-year, $141 million contract.
The Jaguars’ implosion last year forced serious changes on the defensive side of the ball as a result. The Jaguars brought in Ryan Nielsen as the new defensive coordinator. His scheme should maximize the pass rushing abilities of both Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Pederson still hasn’t said if he’d start calling plays again or let offensive coordinator Press Taylor keep that responsibility.
Here’s a primer as the Jaguars prepare to open camp.
When are the camp dates?
The Jaguars will host all but one of their open camp dates at Miller Electric Center. Three dates have already had tickets claimed. To claim free tickets, do so here.
Wednesday, July 24
Thursday, July 25
Friday, July 26 — Sold out
Saturday, July 27 — Sold out
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30
Wednesday, July 31
Friday, August 2
Saturday, August 3 — at EverBank Stadium
Sunday, August 4 — Sold out
Monday, August 5
Wednesday, August 7
Thursday, August 8
Monday, August 12
Wednesday, August 14 — Gates open at 9 a.m./Joint practice with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thursday, August 15 — Gates open at 9 a.m./Joint practice with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What about autographs?
Fans who get free tickets also have the chance to be randomly selected for post-practice autographs. Passes for autographs will be loaded into the accounts of those who are selected 24 hours prior to the date of attendance.
When are the games?
The Jaguars open the preseason with a home game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Aug. 10 (7 p.m.). They’re back at home on Aug. 17 against the Buccaneers (7:30 p.m.). They wrap up the preseason on the road Aug. 23 at the Falcons (7 p.m.). The regular season begins Sept., 8 at the Dolphins (1 p.m.). Here’s a glance at their full schedule.
They’re in London when?
The Jaguars will face the Bears on Oct. 13 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That counts as an away game. On Oct. 20, the Jaguars will host the Patriots at Wembley Stadium. It’s the
Position battles to watch
There aren’t many starting jobs that Jacksonville enters camp with that are open. The offensive line will likely have a new starter at center (Mitch Morse). A new defensive alignment will have a first-time starter at linebacker, likely Yasir Abdullah, Chad Muma or Ventrell Miller.
The secondary will have a new starter at outside corner (Ronald Darby or rookie Jarrian Jones), nickel (Darnell Savage) and safety (potentially second-year player Antonio Johnson). The other starting positions should be sewed up by the incumbents.
Notable date to remember
NFL teams don’t have waves of cuts anymore. Teams have to be at the 53-player roster limit by 4 p.m. on Aug. 27. Who do we think will make the final roster? We’ve got you covered there with our way-too-early 53-man prediction.