National Football League

Jaguars sign free agents Jackson, Gipson, Ivory, Nortman

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:43 p.m. ET

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed all four of their free agents, including new defensive starters Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson.

Former New York Jets running back Chris Ivory and former Carolina Panthers punter Brad Nortman also inked contracts with Jacksonville on Thursday.

The Jaguars gave the foursome deals totaling $165 million, including $65.65 million guaranteed.

Jackson, a key defensive lineman for the Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos last season, signed a six-year deal worth up to $89 million. It includes $42 million guaranteed. Gipson, a free safety who intercepted 14 passes in four years in Cleveland, signed a five-year deal worth $36 million. It includes $12 million guaranteed.

Jackson and Gipson are expected to be immediate starters for a defense in dire need of more playmakers. The Jaguars gave up the second-most points (448) in franchise history last season and fired defensive coordinator Bob Babich.

Getting the defense turned around is critical for the Jaguars taking the next step in the AFC and coach Gus Bradley keeping his job beyond 2015.

Ivory, who ran for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns last season, signed a five-year deal worth $32 million. It includes $10 million guaranteed. He will complement second-year pro T.J. Yeldon. The Jaguars are expected to release running back Toby Gerhart on Thursday.

Nortman, who averaged 39.8 net yards a punt in 2015, signed a four-year deal worth $8.8 million. It includes $1.65 million guaranteed. Nortman replaces Bryan Anger, a third-round draft pick in 2012 the Jaguars infamously selected just ahead of defensive Olivier Vernon and quarterback Russell Wilson.

The Jaguars will hold an afternoon news conference Thursday to introduce all four free agents.

General manager Dave Caldwell plans to bring in other free agents, presumably after the initial signing frenzy quiets down. The team still needs a guard, a pass-rusher, a linebacker and maybe a cornerback.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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