JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars agree to terms with sixth-year DL Rodney Gunter to a three-year contract, the club announced today.
“We really like what Rodney brings to the team, both as a player and as a person, and we think he can play multiple positions for us,” said Head Coach Doug Marrone. “We know he’s a good player against the run, but we think we can get some three-down play out of him and get some pass-rush. We have high expectations for him, and we are excited about him. He is one of the pieces that we feel is going to help us defend the run and help us become a better defense.”
Gunter, 6-5, 305, was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round (116rd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. In his five seasons with the Cardinals, he appeared in 77 games with 38 starts and totaled 126 tackles (80 solo), including 26 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks, while also forcing two fumbles.
In 2019, Gunter played and started in 13 games and recorded 31 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. In 2018, he played all 16 games (10 starts) for the fourth consecutive season and set career highs with 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. As a rookie in 2015, Gunter played in 16 games (11 starts) and totaled 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss.
The Haines City, Fla. native was a four-year starter and three-time All-MEAC selection at Delaware State, where he totaled 188 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 18.0 sacks and one forced fumble in his career. Gunter led the team in sacks in each of his final three seasons and earned second team All-MEAC honors as a senior in 2014 after posting a career-high 57 tackles, 7.0 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He attended Haines City (Fla.) High School where he was a standout performer in both football and basketball.
