Third-year Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma is entering a critical make-or-break season in 2024. The former Wyoming defender hasn’t yet met expectations as the No. 70 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Muma will have to earn every rep he receives this year, eliminating any margin for error.
The 2022 NFL Draft was supposed to be a foundational one for Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke after selecting Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall in 2021. Baalke was equipped with four top-70 selections, including two top-27 picks. The value gained from first-rounders Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd was debatable, but both defenders have at least developed into quality starters. The follow-up selections of center Luke Fortner and Muma have been much more questionable.
Approximately one month before puzzlingly drafting Lloyd and Muma 43 picks apart, Baalke also signed off-ball linebacker Foyesade Oluokun to a three-year contract worth $45 million. The capital invested in Lloyd and Oluokun made them instant starters. The idea was for Muma to develop behind them while potentially serving as an eventual replacement for Oluokun two or three years later.
Most Athletic #Jaguars (RAS) | @MathBomb
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) February 7, 2024
1. Travon Walker (9.99)
2. Jacob Harris (9.88)
3. Chad Muma (9.77)
4. Brandon Scherff (9.76)
5. Josh Allen (9.74) pic.twitter.com/taUXcyqpq6
Muma struggled as a rookie despite a minimal snap count, particularly in coverage. Pro Football Focus tagged Muma with allowing 18 receptions on just 22 targets for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The Denver, Colorado native allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 81.8% of attempts thrown in his direction, with a QB rating of 120.4.
Muma's sophomore campaign didn't necessarily showcase any desired improvement, either. Though he played far less in coverage, the 24-year-old linebacker became a liability as a run defender, seeing his run-defense grade plummet from 69.4 to 29.9. Muma barely got on the field as a result, totaling just 145 snaps, accounting for merely 13.04% of all Jaguars' defensive plays.
Plus, after two outstanding campaigns across 2022 and 2023, Baalke signed Oluokun to a four-year, $45 million contract extension earlier this offseason. Oluokun is now under contract with the Jaguars through the 2027 season. It was as much a sign of faltering faith in Muma's future as it was an endorsement of Oluokun's consistent performance.
There is some good news for Muma. The Jaguars haven’t invested any more notable capital at off-ball linebacker (understandably so, after spending so much during the 2022 summer)—though sophomore fourth-rounder Ventrell Miller is also on the roster. Miller missed his entire rookie season with injury and has significant legwork to do if he's to surpass Muma on the depth chart.
Muma should maintain his position as the No. 3 inside linebacker, which means he's an injury away from being a starter. He'll continue playing minimal snaps on defense with heavy involvement on special teams until then. The Jaguars also hired a quality inside linebackers coach this offseason in Matt House. The former LSU defensive coordinator was once the linebackers coach of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay in Kansas City. His presence could help Muma develop in critical areas.
Muma has struggled to acclimate to the expected levels of professional football. A healthy duo of Lloyd and Oluokun guarantees to minimize his role again in 2024, but the onus is on him to impress new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and the rest of the staff. Opportunities could be few and far between for Muma this season.