The Jacksonville Jaguars have wrapped up inking deals for their 2026 NFL Draft class now that second-round pick, tight end Nate Boerkircher has signed on the dotted line. Jacksonville made 10 selections in this year’s draft.
The team announced the move Wednesday. Rookie deals are standard-issue these days and there was never a doubt that Boerkircher would sign ahead of training camp. Boerkircher participated in the team’s rookie minicamp in May.
Boerkircher was selected with the 56th-overall pick and immediately became a talking point around the league and within NFL Draft analyst circles. The conversation revolved around the team’s perceived reach for the selection as Boerkircher was slotted low in numerous pre-draft rankings around the NFL.
Still, the Jaguars view Boerkircher as a perfect fit for their team and tight ends room alongside starter Brenton Strange and backups Quintin Morris and Hunter Long. The franchise feels a shift in way NFL offense’s run, utilizing heavier tight end packages to counter teams utilizing smaller boxes on defense over the years with the expansion of the passing game.
“Attitude, toughness, mentally and physically tough,” Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said after Day 2, describing Boekircher and why the team selected him.
Nate Boerkircher highlights
Played four years at Nebraska, appearing in 39 games (17 starts), catching 19 passes for 219 yards and one score. Transferred to Texas A&M in 2026, playing in 13 games, catching 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns.
Earned academic All-Big Ten member all four seasons while at Nebraska.
Here are some highlights from Boerkircher’s season with the Aggies:
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky at Demetrius.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft: TE Nate Boerkircher signs deal