JULY 26: Smoot’s full guarantee will check in south of that $3.25MM mark. The edge rusher’s third Jaguars contract includes $2.25MM fully guaranteed, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. This will come in the form of a league-minimum base salary and a $1.12MM signing bonus.
JULY 21: Days after news of an outside visit surfaced, Dawuane Smoot has landed a deal to remain in Jacksonville. The veteran edge rusher has re-signed with the Jaguars, as noted by agent David Canter. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the one-year pact is worth up to $6.25MM and includes $3.25MM guaranteed (Twitter links). 
Smoot was scheduled to visit the Ravens, but that will no longer be necessary. The 28-year-old will instead continue his stay in Duval County, which has spanned all six years of his NFL career to date. His free agent market was limited due to the Achilles tear he suffered in December, but he will nevertheless earn an opportunity to rebuild his value in a familiar environment.
The former third-rounder had established himself as a starting-caliber pass rusher while playing on a two-year, $10MM deal between 2020 and ’21. During that span, he logged over 1,300 defensive snaps and recorded 11.5 sacks and 61 pressures. Smoot found himself relegated back into rotational duties last season, but he remained an effective contributor up until his season-ending injury.
Smoot posted five sacks and 12 QB hits through 15 games last season. He will look to at least replicate those figures this season upon completion of his rehab. The Jaguars have a number of other options along their defensive front, including 2022 first overall pick Travon Walker, who will likely cap Smoot’s playing time once again. A strong season from the latter could set himself up for a more lucrative free agent period next year, though.
Once healthy, the Illinois alum will face the task of helping Jacksonville improve on their pass rush production from last season. The AFC South winners compiled only 35 sacks in 2022, which ranked 25th in the NFL. While Smoot will not have an every-down role to play as the Jaguars aim to take a step forward in that department, he will have the opportunity to continue operating as an effective rotational rusher.