Why the Jaguars Have a Dilemma at Tight End Entering 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense is riding an all-time high entering 2026. Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski had the team performing as one of the best units in the entire league throughout the second half of the 2025 campaign. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the high-octane passing game, leaning on the help of his wideouts like veteran Jakobi Meyers and breakout star Parker Washington. However, the team will need more help from their tight end position in 2026. Whether it’s blocking for the run or hitting short routes for Lawrence, the tight ends just did not do enough for the team in 2025. Starter Brenton Strange was sidelined for a solid chunk of the year due to a quad injury, restricting the ability of the core to make up for his loss.
In 2026, things look to be changing for the better. There’s more competition in the position, with the Jaguars drafting Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Primarily a blocking tight end in college, Boerkircher will be expected to compete with Strange and others for significant playing time in 2026. The young athlete showed flashes of greatness as an Aggie and at Nebraska, meaning he could be primed for a major impact as a rookie this upcoming season. Jacksonville also drafted Houston’s Tanner Koziol in the fifth round, giving some youth to an already relatively young tight end unit. Both rookies could shock the coaching staff in camp, meaning starters like Strange will have to stay on their toes to keep their roster spot intact.
The Jaguars also re-signed Quintin Morris this offseason after appearing in a few games in 2025 due to injuries on the roster. Morris is a solid choice for the primary blocking tight end in 2026. As one of the oldest in the group at 27-years-old, it is likely that he makes it past roster cuts early. Despite all these players, the final decision will come down to head coach Liam Coen and what he envisions for the team moving forward. As training camp rolls on, the roster will begin to take shape, and roles will become clearer. For each player, the pressure is on to prove themselves throughout the summer and show that they belong in Duval County to help the team make a deep playoff run in 2026.
