The Jacksonville Jaguars are keeping it all in the family with their latest signing.
On Monday, the Jaguars announced the signing of tight end Josh Pederson, son of head coach Doug Pederson.
Josh is an undrafted free agent in 2021 who spent time on various NFL practice squads (San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs) before getting his first substantial playing time for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in 2023.
He played college football for the University of Louisiana Monroe.
For the Gamblers, he played in 10 games, catching 24 passes for 325 yards.
Josh gave a radio interview after the signing was official.
He explained that he is not looking for any family favors and joked about changing the spelling of his last name to Peterson to throw people off.
“I got to break the news to my mom and my brother. That was pretty cool. She flipped out.” @J2_P2 Josh Pederson is back in the @NFL joining his Dad with the @Jaguars. Great stuff from the former @ULM_FB star. @KNOE8 We will have more tomorrow @MorningDrive318 @JakeMartinOC pic.twitter.com/lkBe5Ay228
— Aaron Dietrich (@AaronsAces) July 10, 2023
It was a well-kept secret.
Even Josh’s mother did not know it was the in works, but she was elated when Josh told her.
Jags Have A Deep Tight End Depth Chart
With the Pederson addition, there are five tight ends on the Jags roster.
Evan Engram is TE1, but his availability is not certain.
The Pro Bowler joined the team in 2022 and has been franchise tagged for 2023.
He has yet to sign his franchise tag so the clock is ticking (with one week left) for the Jaguars to get a long-term contract done or for him to sign the tag.
Frangie Show: The deadline to sign Evan Engram to a long-term extension is a week from today at 4 pm.
What is going to happen with Engram?
He will play on the franchise tag this year and he’s gone?
He signs a long-term extension here in Jacksonville? pic.twitter.com/t0r7HWU6ay
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) July 10, 2023
In addition, Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Gerrit Prince, and Pederson round out the tight-end depth chart.
There is no way that the Jaguars are carrying all of these tight ends on the 53-man roster in September so expect a training camp competition.
The Jacksonville Jaguars report to training camp this month. The Jacksonville Jaguars play a preseason football game next month… Happy Saturday.
— Hacker (@RyanGreen1010XL) July 1, 2023
This will be an interesting storyline to watch as the Jags open training camp later this month.
The Jaguars open up their preseason with an August 12 game on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.
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