JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -The Jacksonville Jaguars upgraded their receiving corps Friday, agreeing to terms with free agent Jerry Porter and completing a trade for former first-round draft pick Troy Williamson.
The Jaguars also agreed to terms with backup quarterback Cleo Lemon.
The moves are part of a makeover for Jacksonville, which finished 11-5 last season and beat Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs.
The Jaguars changed four assistant coaches and expect even more personnel moves in hopes of closing the gap on AFC powers Indianapolis and New England. Jacksonville opened free agency about $30 million under the salary cap.
That number could grow, too, since the team gave three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud permission to seek a trade.
Stroud missed eight games the last two seasons because of a nagging ankle injury. He also was suspended four games last year for violating the league’s steroid and related substances policy. Coach Jack Del Rio has said the former first-round draft pick probably won’t return to full speed.
Jacksonville decided not to re-sign receiver Ernest Wilford and backup quarterback Quinn Gray, opting to try to improve both positions.
The team also let defensive end Bobby McCray, safety Sammy Knight and cornerback Terry Cousin leave via free agency.
Although the Jaguars will have to address defensive holes, they started on the offensive side of the ball.
Jacksonville gave Minnesota a sixth-round draft pick for Williamson, the seventh overall selection in 2005. It equates to a low-risk deal that could give the Jaguars a deep threat they haven’t had since Jimmy Smith retired following the 2005 season.
Williamson will need to start hanging onto the ball, though. He had 79 receptions for 1,067 yards and three touchdowns in three disappointing, drop-filled seasons.
Williamson has two years remaining on his contract. He’s scheduled to make $910,000 in 2008 and $1.4 million in 2009.
Porter agreed to a six-year, $30 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed. Del Rio expects him to step into the No. 1 role.
Porter caught 44 passes for 705 yards and six touchdowns last season in Oakland. He had just one reception in 2006.
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