Chris Rodriguez Jr. Contract Terms
Chris Rodriguez Jr signed a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth up to $12 million, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
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Fantasy Football Impact for Chris Rodriguez Jr. with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Bhayshul Tuten hype took a swift hit when the Jaguars signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. While probably not a household name, this addition could prove to be more problematic than gut reactions would imply. Rodriguez is coming off a shockingly efficient season and has a history with Liam Coen. Last year, Rodriguez averaged a whopping 3.0 yards after contact per attempt, second in the NFL to only De'Von Achane. He forced a broken tackle once every 8.6 carries, the fourth-best rate in the NFL. He had a 58 percent success rate, fifth among running backs. And those statistics perfectly encapsulate who Rodriguez is as a runner. He's a hard-nosed and physical back who will break tackles, generate yards after contact, and successfully keep an offense on schedule.
Liam Coen's rise as a coaching prospect began with a strong 2021 season as offensive coordinator at Kentucky. Will Levis and Wan'Dale Robinson led a dynamic passing attack. And Rodriguez was the engine that kept them moving down the field. Rodriguez amassed 1,379 rushing yards and nine touchdowns that season. Coen left for the Rams the next year, Rodriguez served a suspension to start the season, and his draft stock eventually slipped in 2023. Coen went back to Kentucky for a year after Rodriguez was drafted. Regarding coaching without Rodriguez, Coen said he was "really going to miss being able to hand the ball off and know you would get four yards. A lot of times, that wasn't scheme. That was Chris." He clearly holds Rodriguez in high regard.
When Travis Etienne Jr left in free agency, Tuten was expected to be the lead back. He might be. Like Rodriguez, Tuten had a solid success rate last year (57.8 percent). Whereas Rodriguez excelled at breaking tackles and generating yards after contact, Tuten was around league average. That matches what's on film. Tuten is a dynamic mover, using quick jab steps to bounce laterally around defenders and explode upfield. He's not, however, the between-the-tackles bruiser that Rodriguez is. In addition to Tuten and Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr. should see work. While his box scores were modest, he frequented the field on passing downs, and the departure of Etienne could open up more opportunities. Predicting roles is difficult, but Rodriguez is best equipped for early-down and goal-line work. Allen profiles as the passing-down option. That leaves Tuten as the change-of-pace back, potentially relying on efficiency rather than volume. He is a touchdown waiting to happen any time he touches the ball, and the coaches will assuredly want to work him in often. Where Tuten looked primed for a big role, things suddenly get complicated. Two's a company. Three's a crowd.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
Rodriguez is a big winner here. His contract alone puts him right alongside Kenneth Gainwell, Rico Dowdle, and Tyler Allgeier, all free agents who recently signed and are expected to be involved with their respective teams. Teaming up with his college offensive coordinator also bodes well. There's familiarity in the offense and proven trust with the head coach. Tuten projections take a ding with Rodriguez around, especially when factoring in his expected role near the goal line. This Jaguars offense is trending in the right direction, and both backs can find different paths to success. Tuten's path, however, got a bit narrower. Trevor Lawrence should benefit from a more reliable early-down run game.
In Washington, there wasn't any expectation that Rodriguez would return, so the Commanders' outlook has not changed.
Stock Watch
Risers
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Overview
Chris Rodriguez Jr. landed in the best possible spot to break out. A proven history with Liam Coen is hard to overlook. Rodriguez is coming off a season with some surprising elite efficiency metrics, but probably won't have the same appeal as Bhayshul Tuten in drafts. He could offer a discounted entry point into a potentially elite backfield.
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