JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed with Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Bill Callahan.
In the days after the Cowboys’ wild-card playoff victory over Detroit, Callahan was asked how well Jermey Parnell had played in the previous four games in place of injured right tackle Doug Free. Callahan was full of praise and also added that he believed Parnell could start for any other team in the NFL at right tackle.
That’s why the Jaguars have agreed with Parnell on a five-year contract worth $32 million, with $13 million guaranteed. They believe he’s the upgrade they need at right tackle and a big part of the solution for an offensive line that struggled to open holes in the run game and protect the quarterback for the third consecutive season.
The Jaguars are banking they’re going to reap the benefits of the Cowboys’ work with the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Parnell, who began his career on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in 2009. After bouncing around with the Saints and Dolphins as a defensive end, tight end and offensive tackle, the Cowboys signed him in 2010 and made him a full-time offensive tackle.
They patiently worked with him through the transition on the practice squad in 2010 and Parnell played in six games in 2011. Parnell played in every game from 2012 to 2014, starting seven this past season in place of Free (five in the regular season, two in the playoffs). He fit seamlessly into an offensive line that was regarded as the best in the league, and he’ll be an upgrade at right tackle over Austin Pasztor.
The Cowboys gave up just 30 sacks in 2014, significantly lower than the league-high and franchise-record 71 the Jaguars allowed. Not all of the sacks were the fault of the offensive line, but most were. Now the Jaguars believe they’ve solidified the right side of the line by putting Parnell next to Brandon Linder, the team’s most consistent lineman last season.
Parnell has limited experience as a starter, but he also has low mileage, which means he hasn’t undergone the type of pounding starting tackles receive in five years in the league. He’s also still learning the position, having played just one year of college football at Ole Miss – as a defensive end.
Parnell did play four years of basketball for the Rebels, however, which means he has the quick feet that are vital to a tackle’s success against the league’s speed rushers. He averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 120 games at Ole Miss, including highs of 7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 2006-07.
The impending signing of Parnell means Pasztor could move back to guard, which is where he began his career, or be a backup tackle. The Jaguars also have five other tackles on the roster: Luke Joeckel (the starter at left tackle), Sam Young, Josh Wells, Cody Booth and Brennan Williams. Wells, Booth and Williams still have practice squad eligibility.
Parnell was the only right tackle the Jaguars pursued in free agency. According to a league source, the Jaguars never had interest in Green Bay’s Bryan Bulaga.