By PFW staff
Feb. 29, 2008

Jerry Porter

The Jaguars infused their stagnant passing game with an element of life Friday, agreeing to terms with free-agent WR Jerry Porter. A source confirmed to PFW that Porter signed a six-year deal worth $30 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Porter had 44 receptions for 705 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games with the Raiders in 2007, and he will immediately become a go-to receiver for emerging QB David Garrard. The Jags finished ’07 ranked 17th in the league in passing, averaging 208 yards per game.

The PFW spin

As much as the trade with the Vikings to reel in Troy Williamson was seen as bringing in a sorely needed element of speed to the WR corps, the Jags are considerably more excited about landing Porter. In eight up-and-down seasons with the Raiders, Porter has sometimes had his run-ins with the coaching staff and has battled injuries, but he has nonetheless shown the ability to be a No. 1 receiver.

Former first-round draft picks Reggie Williams and Matt Jones have disappointed during their tenures in Jacksonville, forcing the Jags to revolve their offense around the running game, and limiting the passing game to the short to intermediate range.

Porter should help open up the attack. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he has the size to muscle up defenders in the red zone and also has the breakaway speed to be a deep threat. His most productive seasons came in 2004-05, when he caught 140 balls for 1,940 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Jags’ focus now shifts from the offensive side to the defensive side, where they’re looking to add youth and speed to an injury-prone DE corps.