​After a standout breakout season in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown secured a three-year, $33 million contract in the offseason, a move that has the organization and fans buzzing once again about his elite trajectory. Brown joined the Jaguars as a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and initially logged limited action as a rookie, largely contributing on special teams. Over time, he worked his way into a more prominent defensive role, and that gradual climb culminated in his breakout 2025 campaign.
Most recently, Brown earned inclusion on Pro Football Focus’s All-Seventh-Round Team, a distinction highlighted by PFF analyst Daire Carragher. Carragher called Brown a “total success story in Jacksonville,” tracing his remarkable progression from a 37.3 PFF grade as a rookie to a solid 72.0 grade in his fourth year. The numbers from last season reinforced Brown’s emergence as a reliable defensive starter. He allowed a completion rate of just 54% on 68 targets and limited opponents to an average of 10.4 yards per catch. In addition to his pass defense, Brown contributed two interceptions and nine pass breakups, underscoring his versatility and impact in the Jaguars’ secondary.
Despite mixed feedback about Jacksonville’s offseason moves, the decision to extend Brown’s contract has drawn widespread praise, underscoring how highly he is valued within the organization. Head coach Liam Coen expressed confidence that Brown can continue to grow, suggesting that the best is still to come. Coen described Brown as a consummate professional—consistently performing with confidence in practice, meetings, and games since his arrival. He noted Brown’s steady approach and commitment, stating that the player embodies the kind of consistency that helps a defense evolve. According to Coen, we should anticipate an even more pronounced step forward from Brown in 2026, particularly in red-zone situations where his size, speed, and instincts can make a decisive difference.
Brown’s journey from a seventh-round pick to a foundational piece of Jacksonville’s defense is a testament to perseverance, development, and the value of late-round gems finding their footing in the NFL. His progression—from limited rookie impressions to a trusted starter who can contribute in critical moments—illustrates how a player can maximize opportunity through hard work, film study, and consistency. The Jaguars’ faith in Brown’s trajectory is being rewarded with both on-field production and a veteran presence that can anchor the defense in high-leverage situations.
Looking ahead, there is a sense that Brown’s best football may still be ahead of him. If he can maintain his level of play, refine his red-zone coverage, and continue to build chemistry with his teammates, he could solidify himself as a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s secondary for years to come. For now, the focus remains on development, continued impact, and the expectation of another leap in 2026 as Brown continues to prove that a seventh-round selection can, indeed, become a cornerstone figure for an NFL defense.