The Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly agreed to terms with outside linebacker BJ Ojulari, a former Arizona Cardinals player who visited the team Tuesday. The move comes as the Jaguars prepare to face the Denver Broncos in Week 2 and after an injury to defensive end BJ Green in the season opener against Cleveland.
Head coach Liam Coen has ruled Green out for the Denver game and said his recovery could take some time. The timing of Ojulari’s addition may indicate that Green could miss more than one game, although the source did not provide a firm timetable or confirm an injured-reserve designation.
Ojulari is expected to give Jacksonville another option at the edge position while he learns the team’s system. The Jaguars could also have undrafted rookie Bryan Thomas Jr. active for the upcoming game as Ojulari gets acclimated.
The addition addresses more than Jacksonville’s pass-rush depth. Green also contributes on special teams and can drop into zone coverage, roles the source said may be less familiar to Thomas, fourth-round rookie Wesley Williams and Danny Striggow. Ojulari has the physical profile to work from an off-ball position and cover when needed, and he played 187 special-teams snaps during 25 appearances with Arizona.
Ojulari, 24, was selected among the first 50 players in his draft and played college football at LSU. Injuries have limited his NFL opportunities, but the move gives Jacksonville an experienced depth option with some pass-rush potential. Further details about Green’s injury and Ojulari’s contract were not provided.
