JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have taken another step toward revamping their defense by agreeing to terms with free agent pass rusher Matt Roth.
Roth, who had 7.5 sacks the last two seasons in Cleveland, is expected to sign a one-year contract and join the team Friday. He likely will start opposite former college teammate Aaron Kampman.
Kampman is coming off knee surgery, and although the Jaguars like Jeremy Mincey and Austen Lane, neither has Roth’s experience. Roth has 271 tackles, 20 sacks and six forced fumbles in seven seasons, playing his first five years in Miami. He played outside linebacker in Cleveland’s 3-4 defense, but will be an end in Jacksonville.
Roth becomes the fourth new starter on a defense that allowed a franchise record 419 points in 2010.
