JACKSONVILLE – This made sense for many reasons. Mostly, it felt right.
Cornerback Tre Herndon on Monday ensured he will remain with the Jaguars in 2023, re-signing with the team after becoming an unrestricted free agent last week.
"You've got to be excited," Herndon said.
Herndon, a sixth-year veteran who originally signed with the Jaguars as a collegiate free agent shortly after the 2018 NFL Draft, has played in 67 games in five Jaguars seasons with 30 starts. He started one of 15 games played last season as the Jaguars won their first AFC South title since 2017.
"That's just a step in what can come," Herndon said of the Jaguars' run to the division title into the AFC Divisional Playoff. "I'm just excited about getting back to work with the guys."
Herndon along with punter Logan Cooke is the third-longest tenured Jaguars player. Guard/center Tyler Shatley joined the Jaguars as collegiate free agent following the 2014 NFL Draft, with left tackle Cam Robinson joining the team as a second-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot joined the team as a third-round selection in '17 and is currently an unrestricted free agent.
"When you come in undrafted, you always come in with that chip on your shoulder that you have to come in and make the team – prove your worth and value on the team," Herndon said. "Every year, I treat it just like that undrafted year, knowing I have to make the team and show my value."
Herndon, 27, registered 34 tackles, 27 solo, with two tackles for loss in 2022 – and also had five passes defensed. He has three interceptions and 23 passes defensed in five seasons.
Herndon said while he drew interest from other teams in recent days, the decision to remain with a Jaguars team that will enter a second season under Head Coach Doug Pederson and defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell ultimately was the right one.
"You can't leave home," Herndon said. "Going on my sixth season here, I'm familiar with Jacksonville. We had a great year last year. We have the same coaching staff and a lot of the same players on the defensive side of the ball. We have the same playbook after a year in the scheme, so I'm excited about what we can add on to that. It made the decision pretty easy."
