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Making moves: See free agency destinations for 7 Jacksonville-area NFL players

clayton freeman, florida times-union
·2 min read

The NFL free agency period for 2023 is officially in full swing, with more than 100 players across the league on their way to new addresses.

Players from the First Coast are no exception.

Here's how free agency has turned out for seven players with Jacksonville-area connections who are on the move — or, in some cases, staying with their current teams on big-money extensions.

The free agency period remains active, so there's still a chance that other locals might find themselves in new surroundings soon. Even NFL rushing king and Yulee native Derrick Henry has been at the center of various trade rumors during the past month.

Figures announced are based on preliminary reports. Note that in most cases, NFL contracts are not fully guaranteed.

DL Adam Gotsis set to return to Jaguars on two-year deal

Jawaan Taylor signs with Chiefs: What does his loss mean for the Jaguars' offensive line?

Jaguars' Andre Cisco, Luke Fortner among top earners in league's performance-based pay

RB Mike Boone

Local tie: Baker County.

Team: From Broncos to Texans.

Reported deal: 2 years, $3.1 million.

Notable: Entering his sixth year in the league, Boone rushed for 102 yards across nine games with the Broncos in 2022.

LB Jarrad Davis

Local tie: Camden County.

Team: Giants (re-signing).

Reported deal: Undisclosed.

Notable: Signed from the Detroit practice squad late in the season, Davis is staying in the Meadowlands.

TE Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst (88) celebrates a touchdown catch in the end zone against the Bills during the playoffs. The former Bengals tight end signed with the Carolina Panthers.
Hayden Hurst (88) celebrates a touchdown catch in the end zone against the Bills during the playoffs. The former Bengals tight end signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Local tie: Bolles.

Team: From Bengals to Panthers.

Reported deal: 3 years, $21.75 million.

Notable: The former baseball pitcher is joining his fourth team in six years after a productive 2022 in Cincinnati, in which he caught 52 passes for 414 yards and started a career-high 13 games.

FB Jakob Johnson

Local tie: Ribault.

Team: Raiders (re-signing).

Reported deal: Undisclosed.

Notable: A pure lead blocker for the Raiders, Johnson caught five passes last year and started nine games to pave the way for NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs.

CB Darius Slay

Eagles cornerback Darius Slay warms up before Super Bowl LVII against the Chiefs. Slay signed a contract extension with Philadelphia.
Eagles cornerback Darius Slay warms up before Super Bowl LVII against the Chiefs. Slay signed a contract extension with Philadelphia.

Local tie: Brunswick.

Team: Eagles (extension)

Reported deal: 2 years, $42 million (extension).

Notable: Big Play Slay gets a big payday. The five-time Pro Bowl corner, now 32, made three more picks last year in the Eagles' ride to the Super Bowl.

OT Laremy Tunsil

Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, a Columbia graduate, signed a $75 million extension with the Texans.
Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, a Columbia graduate, signed a $75 million extension with the Texans.

Local tie: Columbia.

Team: Texans (extension)

Reported deal: 3 years, $75 million (extension).

Notable: Though not a free agent, Tunsil signed a mammoth extension that includes a reported $50 million in guaranteed money after his third Pro Bowl season.

DL DeMarcus Walker

Titans defensive end DeMarcus Walker (95) celebrates after a sack during the first half against Cincinnati. The Sandalwood graduate is signing with the Chicago Bears.
Titans defensive end DeMarcus Walker (95) celebrates after a sack during the first half against Cincinnati. The Sandalwood graduate is signing with the Chicago Bears.

Local tie: Sandalwood.

Team: From Titans to Bears.

Reported deal: 2 years, $7 million.

Notable: Walker moves to the NFC North after a career-best season with the Titans, including seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: NFL free agency 2023: Jacksonville-area player signings, deals