There are a lot of sayings about the NFL. A popular one is that it’s a cutthroat business. Another is that it’s a league filled with nepotism.
If the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ latest roster move is any indication, both of those sayings may be reinforced by some.
On Monday, the 2022 AFC South champions made a transaction that raised eyebrows. The team waived tight end Leonard Taylor and subsequently signed tight end Josh Pederson. If that last name sounds familiar, it’s because the Jaguars’ head coach is Doug Pederson, Josh’s father.
Before we jump to any conclusions, it’s important to note that Taylor was signed as an undrafted free agent and didn’t have much of a chance to make the team anyway. Pederson, on the other hand, was more productive in college and has a bit of experience at the NFL level.
The 25-year-old bounced around the practice squads of San Francisco, New Orleans and Kansas City before signing with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. In 10 games during the 2023 USFL season, he caught 24 passes for 325 yards but failed to reach the end zone.
Now, he’s back in the NFL to try to win a roster spot with his dad’s Jaguars. Competition will be stiff for Pederson, as the Jaguars have Evan Engram, Luke Farrell and second round draft pick Brenton Strange as the top three tight ends on the roster.
Looking to Forge His Own Path
In a radio interview with Aaron Dietrich on “The Morning Drive”, Pederson said he’s “hoping to fly under the radar” given his relationship with the head coach.
I asked my dad if I could change the D in our last name to a T just to kind of throw people off. My agent kind of had to talk me off a cliff. I didn’t want it to be thought as a handout, but he had reminded me that I’ve been on three credible teams with three credible head coaches. And now with my production in the USFL, I belong here. And it took another outside guy to explain that to me and I really believe it and I’m really excited to be here.
Considering Doug Pederson guided the Jaguars to their first division title and playoff win since 2017, the franchise won’t be doubting many of the coach’s moves.
