The lone outside free agent signing made by the Jacksonville Jaguars at this point is the addition of running back Chris Rodriguez.
The decision to come to Jacksonville seemed to be an easy one for Rodriguez, in part due to his familiarity with head coach Liam Coen.
“As far as to why Jacksonville, I feel like it’s an opportunity,” Rodriguez said on Friday. … “I feel like it was going to be the best opportunity for me. I know Liam and he knows me. I know the type of standard he expects and I feel like we can get that done.”
Rodriguez spent five seasons at Kentucky, and by far his most productive college season during his tenure came in 2021, when Coen was the offensive coordinator.
“When Liam got to Kentucky, he had to be one of my favorite coaches up until that point… He knows who you are, he knows your best self, and once you show it to him, he expects nothing less.” @CROD_JR | #DUUUVALpic.twitter.com/b4ZXRCteDZ
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 13, 2026
That season, Rodriguez totaled 1,377 rushing yards at a hefty 6.1 yards per attempt with nine rushing touchdowns. He was one of the most productive running backs in all of college football that season.
“When Liam got to Kentucky, he had to be one of my favorite coaches up until that point,” Rodriguez said. “He knows who you are, he knows your best self, and once you show it to him, he expects nothing less.”
This will be Rodriguez’s fourth NFL season. He spent the first three years in Washington, which included an increased role in 2025, when he carried the ball 112 times, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Rodriguez also ranked among the best in PFF’s average yards after contact metric.
With the Jaguars, Rodriguez could help shoulder the workload out of the backfield with Bhayshul Tuten, while LeQuint Allen continues to see the field during more obvious passing situations. He also brings some experience to a relatively young running back room.
Rodriguez signed a two-year deal worth up to $10 million to join the Jaguars.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL free agency: Chris Rodriguez on relationship with Jaguars Liam Coen
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