Is Time Running Out for Jacksonville’s 29-Year-Old Defensive Lineman?
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected senior defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton out of Ohio State in the third round. Typically, third-round draft selections are seen as players with room to grow in development but not usually starters right away. The Jaguars used Hamilton mainly as a backup to veterans like former New England Patriot and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Brown and Adam Gotsis, the former Denver Broncos second-round draft pick in 2016. In 2022, Hamilton saw himself rise to an everyday starter. He notched himself a career high in sacks with only 2.5 and had 56 tackles. Injuries shortened his 2023 season before he was back to an everyday starter the last two seasons. In six seasons with Jacksonville, Hamilton has 5.5 sacks, 244 tackles, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
To many fans, the former Buckeye’s stats do not jump off the charts. His contributions to Jacksonville’s defensive scheme have often gone unnoticed, despite the veteran lineman contributing more to the Jaguars defense than many fans may realize. However, Hamilton was able to get himself a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension with the Jaguars prior to the 2023 season. Now he’s entering the 2026 season, and times have changed since he signed that first extension. The Jaguars have shown little interest in handing him another contract extension, meaning it is likely that the 29-year-old will test free agency at the end of the campaign. This should give Hamilton some energy to put on a good performance throughout the season to give himself better chances at a big contract next offseason.
If anything, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and head coach Liam Coen are already planning for the future with Hamilton. General manager James Gladstone selected Duke defensive end Wesley Williams in the fourth round and has signed numerous undrafted defensive tackles, including Cincinnati Bearcat Jalen Hunt. In training camp alone, Hamilton is going to have to compete with numerous athletes looking to snatch his starting role. If he’s outmatched before the season even begins, the Jaguars would likely look to trade him away to get something out of the aging lineman before he hits free agency. If 2026 is a crucial season for anybody to prove that they belong in Jacksonville, it’s Hamilton.
