Jaguars Lock Down Star Safety In Major Free Agency Power Move
By 813 Staff
The Jacksonville Jaguars have reached an agreement with safety Andre Cisco on a contract extension, a move first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet). League sources confirm the deal is for three years and worth $36 million, with $22.5 million guaranteed. This locks down a foundational piece of their secondary through the 2028 season, preventing him from hitting the open market next week. The front office has been quietly prioritizing this deal for months, viewing Cisco not just as a playmaker but as a tone-setter for the entire defense.
Cisco, 25, has evolved from a third-round pick with raw ball-hawking talent into a complete and trusted defensive signal-caller. Last season, he recorded four interceptions, nine passes defended, and 74 tackles, establishing himself as one of the more consistent safeties in the AFC. His development under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has been notable, transforming his aggressive style into a more disciplined, yet still highly impactful, presence on the back end. Those close to the situation say the relationship between Cisco and the coaching staff, particularly his fit in Nielsen’s scheme, made this a mutual priority from the start.
The financial commitment here speaks volumes about the Jaguars’ defensive blueprint. By securing Cisco now, they avoid a potential bidding war next offseason and create immediate salary cap clarity. This move follows the recent re-signing of defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris, signaling a clear intent to maintain continuity on a unit that showed significant improvement down the stretch last year. It also allows General Manager Trent Baalke to focus his free agency resources and draft capital on other pressing needs, most notably the pass rush and the offensive line.
What happens next is all about the partner. The Jaguars now have certainty at one safety spot, but the other remains a question. Veteran Rayshawn Jenkins is a likely cap casualty, which would open the position next to Cisco. League sources indicate the team will now aggressively explore the market for a complementary safety, with a preference for a veteran who can handle deep-middle responsibilities, allowing Cisco to play closer to the line of scrimmage where he is most destructive. The draft in April also offers a deep class at the position. For Cisco, the next step is simple: he’s been paid as a cornerstone, and the expectation is that his leadership and production will now elevate those around him as the Jaguars aim to finally break through in the AFC South.
