Jacksonville Jaguars Calling Around For Defensive Playmaker After DaVon Hamilton, Eric Murray Season-Ending Injuries
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have been making calls about adding a defensive playmaker, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday. Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and safety Eric Murray, both starters, recently suffered season-ending injuries that leave holes on the league’s second-ranked defense in points allowed.
Teams continue to inquire about wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., though Jacksonville has declined to move him thus far, according to the report.
DaVon Hamilton, Eric Murray Losses Leave Holes On Defense
Both injuries came in the Jaguars’ 42-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 1. Murray hurt his elbow on the opening kickoff and did not return. Hamilton tore his quadriceps and was carted off in the second quarter. Jaguars coach Liam Coen announced the next day that both players were done for the season, and the team placed them on injured reserve Nov. 3.
Hamilton has spent his entire career in Jacksonville since the Jaguars drafted him in the third round, No. 73 overall, out of Ohio State in 2020. Murray missed five games on injured reserve with a neck injury in 2025.
Earlier this week, Rapoport reported that the Jaguars were working the phones hard to add a top-tier player to their interior defensive line. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler named Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo as a player of interest and also connected Jacksonville to Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
Without Hamilton and Murray on Thursday night, Jacksonville held the Baltimore Ravens to 227 total yards in a 33-10 win at M&T Bank Stadium. Jacksonville intercepted 2 passes and recovered a fumble. The Jaguars (6-2) have won five of their last six games and lead the AFC South.
Jaguars Still Declining To Move Brian Thomas Jr.
Jacksonville drafted Thomas 23rd overall out of LSU in 2024. As a rookie, he set franchise rookie records with 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns and earned a Pro Bowl nod. He slipped to 48 catches for 707 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025.
Through eight games this season, Thomas has 10 receptions for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns. He played 19 of Jacksonville’s 56 offensive snaps Thursday and was not targeted.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported last week that the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders all have interest in discussing a deal for Thomas. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer has also reported Kansas City’s interest. The trade deadline is 3 p.m. CT Tuesday.
