The Jacksonville Jaguars have added more depth and physicality to their running back room, agreeing to terms with Chris Rodriguez Jr., the team announced. The move gives Jacksonville another downhill runner with proven SEC production and familiarity with head coach Liam Coen’s offensive philosophy.
Rodriguez was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders and spent the past three seasons contributing as a rotational runner and special teams player. In 35 career games (seven starts), Rodriguez totaled 198 carries for 920 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also added six receptions for 54 yards and recorded four tackles on special teams.
His most productive NFL season came in 2025, when he rushed 112 times for 500 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to handle a larger workload when called upon.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Rodriguez joining Jacksonville is his previous relationship with Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. The two worked together during the 2021 season at the University of Kentucky, when Coen served as the offensive coordinator for the Kentucky Wildcats football team. That year proved to be Rodriguez’s breakout season. He rushed 225 times for 1,379 yards and nine touchdowns, earning All-SEC honors while helping power one of the conference’s most physical rushing attacks. He also contributed as a receiver, adding 13 catches for 61 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, Rodriguez finished his Kentucky career with 3,644 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on 592 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt across five seasons (2018–2022). His bruising running style and ability to grind out tough yards made him one of the most productive backs in program history.
Rodriguez’s running style fits well with what Jacksonville often looks for in its backfield: a physical, north-south runner capable of wearing down defenses. At around 224 pounds, he is known for his contact balance, ability to push piles, and effectiveness in short-yardage situations. For the Jaguars, the signing likely strengthens depth and competition at the position heading into training camp. Rodriguez has shown he can contribute as a rotational runner, goal-line option, and special teams contributor — traits that often help players carve out consistent roles on an NFL roster. The familiarity with Coen’s offensive system could also help accelerate Rodriguez’s transition into Jacksonville’s offense. Players who already understand terminology, run schemes, and blocking concepts often adapt more quickly during offseason programs and training camp.
Adding Rodriguez represents a low-risk move with potential upside for Jacksonville. If he can replicate the physical running style that made him successful in the SEC and flash the productivity he showed in Washington during the 2025 season, he could become a valuable contributor in the Jaguars’ offensive rotation. For a team looking to strengthen its ground game and maintain depth at a physically demanding position, Rodriguez offers experience, toughness, and familiarity with the coaching staff — all qualities that could make this signing quietly impactful as the Jaguars continue shaping their roster for the upcoming season.