Adam

Gotsis

The seven-year veteran has been with the Jaguars since 2020, starting 19 games over the previous three seasons. Gotsis can be considered more of a role player along the defensive line at this point in his career but brings a veteran presence to the locker room. The deal was announced by his agent and the financials have yet to be provided.

Gotsis will enter his third year with Jacksonville after starting 18 total games in 2020 and 2021. He recorded three sacks as a rotational defensive lineman in 2021.

Gotsis was a 14-game starter his first year in Jacksonville last season, though he played only 579 snaps. They were replacement level as he notched zero sacks while being decent against the run. Headed into his age-29 campaign, Gotsis’ role will probably be scaled back a bit under new coach Urban Meyer.

Gotsis went unsigned this offseason after a torn ACL ended his 2019. He was healthy enough to pass a physical but may not be 100 percent. Gotsis was a semi-regular starter in Denver and gives Jacksonville a veteran depth option. Franchise-tagged DE Yannick Ngakoue has yet to report to training camp.

Reporter Mike Klis also reveals that Gotsis’ season-ending knee injury was a torn ACL. Headed for his age-28 campaign, Gotsis will be questionable for Week 1. Already a strict role player, Gotsis’ injury destroys what little free agent value he might have had. It figures to be deep into the 2020 season before he starts conducting workouts.

Coach Vic Fangio didn’t confirm if Gotsis has a torn ACL but said he underwent surgery on Wednesday. Gotsis has played more than 50 percent of the Broncos’ snaps just once in four years. The 27-year-old is headed to free agency at season’s end.

His signing bonus is worth $1.064 million. Gotsis is lean and lanky at 6'5/287 and will probably be deposited as a way for the Broncos to replace Malik Jackson, who had the ability to move all across the defensive line.

The 63rd pick in last year’s draft, Gotsis failed to earn consistent rookie snaps on a Denver defensive line that struggled mightily versus the run. RE Jared Crick was an especially big run-defense liability, but Gotsis couldn’t beat him out. The Broncos may need to add reinforcements in the draft and free agency.

Gotsis has reportedly added 20 pounds. “As time goes on, he’s starting to get it more and more,” Wolfe said, while newly-signed DT Domata Peko added Gotsis “seems like a whole different player.” Normally compliments from teammates would not be notable, but DL coach Bill Kollar made it clear Gotsis needed to get “bigger and stronger” over the offseason, and it looks like he took the advice to heart. After struggling against the run last season, the defense could use a sophomore jump from Gotsis.

“Physically, he is definitely a new player,” Joseph said. “He’s 300 pounds, probably 13 percent body fat, which is amazing. He is explosive and athletic. Now he has to get reps and play more. He’s a second-round pick for a reason. That’s what I saw on tape in college, this guy who we’re seeing now. He’s finally healthy and you can tell.” Gotsis has drawn rave reviews from both coaches and teammates this offseason. Denver is expecting a sophomore leap from him.