The Jacksonville Jaguars had no shortage of offensive weapons in 2025. However, that wasn't enough to advance the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. That led the team's brass to make a massive investment at tight end throughout the offseason. First, the Jags drafted Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol. More recently, they signed Brenton Strange to an extension.
Just one day after Kyle Pitts got a three-year deal worth $54 million, Jacksonville gave Strange an extension worth $48 milion that ensures he'll stay in Jacksonville through 2029.
With Boerkircher and Koziol also in the mix, the Jaguars will have no trouble fulfilling their offensive vision.
Brenton Strange will allow the Jaguars to run their desired offense
Per Dan Griffis of Action News Jax, the Jaguars ranked 21st in the league at 18.5 percent in 12 personnel (two tight ends) last year. Their 2.8 percent in 13 personnel was 20th. On the other hand, they were seventh in jumbo packages (six offensive linemen).
The issue with jumbo packages is that the Jags telegraphed their intention to run because offensive linemen aren't great pass catchers. But they had no choice because they didn't have the personnel to run more two tight end sets. Now they do.
Strange is a heck of a blocker but also an underrated passer. With Boerkircher in the mix, Strange can either stay at the line scrimmage to block or give Trevor Lawrence another target. Conversely, Boerkircher could stay to block or run routes.
You could make the case that Boerkircher's production at Texas A&M left much to be desired. On paper, that's a valid concern, as the Aurora, Colorado native hauled in just a measly 19 receptions for 198 yards with three touchdowns in 2025. However, a closer look shows that the Aggies didn't use him nearly as much as they should have.
Boerkircher's separation rate of 86.4 percent shows that he was routinely open but wasn't targeted nearly enough.
When you add it all up, the Jaguars could be hard to stop when both Strante and Boerkircher are on the field at the same time.
The Jaguars also have a secret weapon in Tanner Koziol
As important as Brenton Strange and Nate Boerkircher will be for the Jaguars next season, Tanner Koziol could also have as much of an impact.
Boerkircher has gotten most of the spotlight because he was Jacksonville's first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Koziol turned heads in the offseason program by making jaw-dropping plays in nearly every practice. At 6'7, the former Houston Cougar will give Trevor Lawrence a huge target in the red zone.
It's also worth noting that Koziol led the FBS with 20 contested catches last year. That kind of production will come in handy in Jacksonville. Granted, he may not get nearly as much playing time as either Strange or Boerkircher but will still be able to carve out a crucial niche on offense.
The Jaguars have one of the best wide receiver corps in the league, but they also know just how important it is to have a top-notch group of tight ends in the NFL nowadays. This is why they spare no expense to ensure that Brenton Strange doesn't go anywhere.
