JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jaguars needed to improve their offensive line in free agency and that's exactly what they plan to do Wednesday when the new league year officially begins.
The team reached a record-setting contract agreement with Carolina Panthers guard Andrew Norwell during the NFL's legal tampering period, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The deal is expected to be for five years and $66.5 million with $30 million in guaranteed money, according to Schefter.
Norwell, 26, will become the NFL's highest-paid guard with an annual salary average of $13.3 million per season, the report notes.
Norwell was named a first-team All-Pro last season as the starting left guard for the Panthers. He spent the first four years of his career in Carolina. He has appeared in 55 games (54 starts) during his career.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound guard will add stability to a left guard spot that has plagued the Jaguars' offensive line with inconsistency. He will pair with second-year left tackle Cam Robinson to further improve the left side of the offensive line.
Last year's starting left guard, Patrick Omameh, is set to become a free agent this week.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.