John Rhys Plumlee provides the Jaguars with a versatile player to develop on the practice squad.
The Jacksonville Jaguars boast two talented quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones. However, the team’s management wanted to ensure they had coverage if either missed time during the 2024 season. Initially, it seemed like E.J. Perry would provide that insurance, but the Jags ultimately decided to go with John Rhys Plumlee, betting on his significant potential.
The Jaguars announced Perry’s release just days after signing him to their practice squad, which came after veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard suffered a groin injury during the preseason that will keep him out for several weeks. Perry, a former Brown University standout, saw action in the preseason but was waived when the team trimmed its roster to 53 players. He had previously spent time on the Jaguars’ practice squad over the past two seasons.
Cutting ties with Perry allowed the team to bring in Rhys Plumlee, who had signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted earlier this year. The former UCF star impressed during training camp and was even compared to New Orleans Saints’ versatile playmaker Taysom Hill due to his ability to play quarterback, wide receiver, and return specialist roles.
A native of Mississippi, Rhys Plumlee played in 52 games for the Knights, completing 464 passes for 5,838 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also rushed 453 times for 2,556 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Despite his promise, Rhys Plumlee faced tough odds in making the Steelers roster, given that Justin Fields and Russell Wilson were ahead of him, and the team likely preferred a more traditional backup in Kyle Allen. If he had received more reps at quarterback, he might have edged out Allen. Nonetheless, Rhys Plumlee is now with the Jaguars, offering them an exciting developmental prospect with unique versatility.
John Rhys Plumlee gives the Jaguars the perfect developmental QB
The Jacksonville Jaguars initially signed E.J. Perry to their practice squad for obvious reasons. As a native of Andover, Massachusetts, Perry offered a reliable option who could step in if injuries struck. Having spent the last two seasons with the Jaguars, along with a brief stint with the Houston Texans, Perry was already familiar with the offense and could contribute immediately. However, the team’s decision-makers may see a higher potential in John Rhys Plumlee.
Perry may have already reached his peak, which makes it logical for the Jaguars to consider other quarterback options. Rhys Plumlee is one such option, with the added potential of becoming an asset on special teams.
After the roster cuts, general manager Trent Baalke emphasized to local media that a player’s versatility gives Jacksonville more flexibility when shaping the roster. Rhys Plumlee fits that mold with his wide-ranging skills. The Jaguars have also prioritized special teams, adding ace gunner Matthew Jackson and versatile international rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to their practice squad.
There’s no guarantee that Rhys Plumlee will develop into a reliable No. 3 quarterback or make a significant impact on special teams. Nonetheless, the Jaguars saw enough upside to take a chance on him. Now, it’s up to Rhys Plumlee to capitalize on this opportunity.
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