March 18, 2026, 3:59 p.m. ET
The Jacksonville Jaguars have so far prioritized keeping key playmakers on the roster this offseason, without making many big moves in free agency.
While some have criticized this approach, James Gladstone has been clear that there is a method to his madness; the Jaguars are prioritizing the future of the franchise over immediate gratification, and part of that means letting some stars walk in exchange for compensatory draft picks in 2027.
“Those draft picks, having more of them actually allows you the luxury of remaining in the hunt at different intervals throughout the entire calendar year for acquiring players,” he explained.
More importantly, though, is the fact that Jacksonville didn’t just ignore their best players with an eye on 2027. The Jags have a good roster with a lot of talent, and Gladstone was able to retain some important players, even if they have a tendency to fly more under the radar than superstars like Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd.
Two players Gladstone made sure to extend were Montaric Brown and Dennis Gardeck, and while neither move is necessarily flashy, they’re both important pieces of the Jaguars defense. In recent press conferences, Gladstone has had high praise for both players, previously saying that re-signing Brown was his number one priority for the offseason.
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Now, in new remarks about Gardeck, Gladstone praised the linebacker’s energy, versatility, and team-player mentality.
“Anybody that loves football loves Dennis Gardner,” Gladstone said. “He’s pure, right? He is the one that does everything that you would ever ask within the scope of the game. And the energy that he brings to the team in multiple phases is an extremely helpful piece to our cause.
“And that’s where I think about the idea of team building process being ongoing. And we talked about it briefly. But who are we talking about this time next year that fits the same bill for somebody that post-draft we were able to tie up with, to come to an agreement with, to add to our roster? And I just look forward to finding those pieces to the puzzle over the course of the next calendar year, and being able to sit back down a year from now and talk to those guys as well.”
Gardeck has mostly been a contributor on special teams, though his role on the defense has been growing. In addition to playing linebacker, he has been able to contribute to the pass rush as well, and that versatility works well in Anthony Campanile’s defense. He can play as an edge rusher or as the SAM linebacker, and has made a huge impact on special teams as well. The team clearly appreciates Gardeck’s willingness to do anything and everything, and more importantly, he does it all well.
Despite having a breakout year in 2025, Gardeck has still remained somewhat under the radar. But Gladstone has now made it clear how valuable he is to this team, and 2026 might finally be the year fans get to see Gardeck truly reach his full potential.