3:24pm: The deal is now official, per John Oehser of Jaguars.com (Twitter link).
2:59pm: The Jaguars have added some depth to their offensive line, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, who reports (via Twitter) that the team has agreed to terms with offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau. It’ll be a two-year deal worth up to $4MM, says Garafolo.
Bernadeau, 30, started his career with the Panthers back in 2008 before joining the Cowboys in 2011. The former seventh-round pick was Dallas’ primary starter at right guard in 2012 and 2013, but returned to a reserve role in 2014 after the Cowboys drafted Zack Martin. Bernadeau will be the second reserve Cowboys lineman to join the Jaguars in free agency in the last two years — Jacksonville signed Jermey Parnell to a long-term deal last March.
While the Jaguars have a starting spot on their offensive line open after releasing Zane Beadles, Bernadeau is likely more of a depth piece. He may get a chance to compete for playing time with the team’s current in-house options, as well as whoever else joins the franchise in free agency or the draft.
Currently, A.J. Cann, Brandon Linder, and Luke Bowanko appear to be the top contenders to be in the mix for the two guard spots, along with Bernadeau. With veteran center Stefen Wisniewski also facing free agency, the team will need someone to fill that position as well, though it’s still possible Wisniewski will re-sign.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.