There’s a fascinating and ironic scenario playing out in Jacksonville, where Tom Coughlin is rebuilding the Jaguars defense through free agency, a year after he was denied the chance to do so as the Giants head coach.
Coughlin, the Jaguars’ new team president, already has presided over several big-ticket signings. The Jaguars agreed to terms Thursday with former Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye on a five-year, $67.5 million contract ($26 million guaranteed); former Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell on a four-year, $60 million contract ($30 million guaranteed); and former Cowboys safety Barry Church (terms unknown).
“Chose #Jags because Tom Coughlin is a winner, they brought in two other big free agents and they also have been drafting well the last few years,” Campbell told ESPN via text message. “They are a young and hungry defense that I want to lead.”
For Coughlin, this flurry of free-agent signings comes a year after he was forced out by the Giants and watched as his former team spent some $200 million on defensive free agents Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins — players who helped the Giants return to the playoffs in 2016.
Campbell, 30, had a big year in 2016 with eight sacks, 53 tackles, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He also was pursued by the Broncos.
Bouye, 25, emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, rising all the way from No. 4 on the Texans depth chart at cornerback.