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Jaguars Invite Taylor, Ware to Mentor; Washington Steps Up

6/16/2026

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Summary

Jaguars Invite Veterans

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen invited former players Fred Taylor and DeMarcus Ware to mentor the team in OTA week, saying the veterans would give players “someone else’s voice.”
Several players, including Jourdan Lewis and Travis Hunter, sat out, giving Parker Washington a larger role as a primary receiving target.
Hunter is recovering from LCL surgery and should return for training camp in late July, before the Jaguars’ five-week break.

Summary

Thomas Earns MVP

Brian Thomas Jr. earned offseason MVP honors after repeatedly making big plays in OTAs.
Undrafted cornerback Jabbar Muhammad emerged as a top riser, vying for a 53-man roster spot.
Rookie tight end Tanner Koziol moved from fourth-string to a potential TE2 after strong catches.
Critics dismissed Travis Hunter’s teal jersey at minicamp as an overreaction given his limited injury-related participation.

Summary

Lawrence MVP

Trevor Lawrence says his familiarity with offense, praised by Coach Liam Coen, makes him calmer and faster on the field.
He recorded his third 4,000-yard passing season with 29 passing and 9 rushing touchdowns, becoming an MVP finalist after steering Jacksonville to an AFC South title and a 13-4 record.
Two years of continuity under Coach Liam Coen and coordinator Grant Udinski lets Lawrence focus on finer details.

History

Historical Context

When Liam Coen was hired as head coach in 2025, the move continued the franchise’s tradition of leveraging veteran leadership. The expansion Jaguars posted a 4-12 debut in 1995, earned their first win in Week 5, and reached the AFC Championship by 1999, a rise driven by leaders like Mark Brunell and Fred Taylor.

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Jaguars Invite Veterans

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen invited former players Fred Taylor and DeMarcus Ware to mentor the team in OTA week, saying the veterans would give players “someone else’s voice.”
Several players, including Jourdan Lewis and Travis Hunter, sat out, giving Parker Washington a larger role as a primary receiving target.
Hunter is recovering from LCL surgery and should return for training camp in late July, before the Jaguars’ five-week break.

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