Dennis Gardeck

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		113	204	19.5	2
2025		17	48	2.5	0
2024		7	22	3.0	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Jaguars secured solid value with Dennis Gardeck at $3.3M annually, landing a proven rotational linebacker who delivers more impact than his modest salary suggests. This C+ CVI deal reflects smart roster building — Gardeck has consistently produced as a situational pass rusher and special teams contributor throughout his Arizona tenure, making him the type of reliable veteran depth that championship teams require. At 30, he's entering the sweet spot for linebackers where experience compensates for any athletic decline, and his two-year commitment provides Jacksonville flexibility without long-term risk. The $3.1M guaranteed represents reasonable downside protection while the overall structure allows the Jaguars to retain a productive rotational piece without breaking the bank. This signing exemplifies how teams can shore up their second and third units with players who understand their role and execute consistently — exactly what Jacksonville needs as they build toward contention.

Performance Analysis

Dennis Gardeck is an 8-year veteran edge presence who has carved out a roster role through special teams tenacity and situational pass-rush contributions. Now with Jacksonville, the 31-year-old earns a D grade this season — a concerning slide that reflects diminishing impact across the board. Among edge linebackers, he currently grades below most serviceable starters at this stage of a career. The production numbers tell a difficult story. His 2.82 tackles per game falls well short of the 3.80 NFL average, and his sack rate of 0.15 per game trails the league benchmark of 0.23. His TFL rate of 0.29 per game also lags behind the 0.40 average, leaving little statistical ground to stand on as a pass-rush specialist. The trajectory compounds the concern. Gardeck slid from a C- in 2024 to a D in 2025, with a D in 2023 sandwiched between — suggesting this isn't a short-term dip but a sustained decline. He profiles less like a rotational edge contributor now and more like a fringe roster candidate relying on special teams value to stay employed. At 31, with this downward arc, a significant bounce-back feels unlikely without a defined and protected role.

Current Sentiment

Dennis Gardeck heads into the 2026 season with renewed organizational backing after the Jacksonville Jaguars elected to re-sign him, a move that underscores his value as a versatile defender and reliable special teams contributor. With 19.5 career sacks accumulated over eight seasons, Gardeck has carved out a durable niche as a high-effort edge rusher whose production consistently outpaces his roster billing. Media coverage surrounding his re-signing was uniformly positive, framing the deal as a sensible, low-risk retention of a proven locker-room and situational asset. Analysts have noted that Jacksonville's decision to bring him back signals a broader strategic intent, with at least one outlet suggesting the move opens the door for additional roster construction around him. Overall, fan and media perception of Gardeck is that of a respected role player whose longevity, motor, and special teams excellence make him a quietly indispensable piece of a rebuilding Jaguars roster.