The Jacksonville Jaguars have reached a three-year, $33 million agreement with cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown, preventing the defensive back from entering free agency, according to a source with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.
The source requested anonymity since neither the team nor player had publicly announced the contract.
Brown, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft, has been a starter in 29 contests during his four seasons with Jacksonville and just completed his most productive year. In 2025, he recorded 51 tackles, defended 12 passes, and intercepted two passes while successfully adapting to the team’s zone coverage system. Throughout his professional career, he has accumulated 166 tackles, 24 pass breakups, and three interceptions.
By retaining Brown, the Jaguars ensure their defensive backfield remains largely unchanged for 2026, as cornerbacks Travis Hunter, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, and Christian Braswell are already under contract, along with safeties Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, and Caleb Ransaw.
Last season, Jacksonville’s defense ranked 11th overall in the league and placed sixth in limiting passing yards per play.
However, the Jaguars still face defensive personnel challenges, particularly with linebacker Devin Lloyd anticipated to join another team during free agency. The organization also needs to add a third pass rusher and may need to find a replacement for defensive tackle Arik Armstead, whose contract carries a $19.4 million salary cap hit for 2026.
