Brandon Scherff, once recognized as one of the premier guards in the NFL, officially announced his retirement at age 33 after a commendable 10-season career. During his time in the league, Scherff earned five Pro Bowl selections and was honored as a First-team All-Pro in 2015. His retirement has generated considerable discussion among fans, particularly surrounding his time with the Washington football franchise and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fan Reactions Highlight Regrets Over His Team Moves
Following Scherff’s announcement on social media platform X, fans expressed mixed feelings, with many suggesting he should have remained in Washington longer. One fan stated,
“shouldve stayed in Washington, but hell of a player,”
while another remarked, “shouldve just resigned with commanders.” Some supporters criticized the Jaguars for the contract they gave Scherff, with another fan noting,
“He tried to rob us too Jags overpaid for him.”
These sentiments emphasize a division between his loyal supporters in Washington and those puzzled by his Jacksonville tenure.
Career Timeline: From Washington’s Top Draft Pick to Jaguars Stalwart
Scherff was selected fifth overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2015 NFL Draft and spent the first seven seasons of his career in the US capital. His early years saw him transition from competing for the starting right tackle role to establishing himself as a key right guard. During his Washington tenure, Scherff made three Pro Bowls and played a crucial part in their offensive line. The Washington team, renamed the Commanders, narrowly missed the Super Bowl in the recent season, highlighting the potential impact of veteran players like Scherff.
In 2022, Scherff signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Throughout his time with Jacksonville, Scherff played in every regular-season and playoff game. Known for his durability and consistency, he helped anchor the Jaguars’ protection, which allowed the sixth-fewest sacks per game last season at 1.9.
Recognized Talent and Enduring Performance Throughout Career
Despite some debate about his contract valuation in Jacksonville, Scherff remained highly regarded as a top interior offensive lineman. NFL Network analyst Greg Rosenthal ranked him ninth among free-agent interior linemen in August of this year, acknowledging Scherff’s reliability and health over recent seasons. Rosenthal commented,
“While he never quite lived up to his contract in Jacksonville as a former All-Pro, Scherff has stayed healthy for three years running as a serviceable starter.”
Scherff’s early accolades include a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in 2015 and status as a unanimous All-American during his college career at Iowa.
In college, Scherff earned the title of Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2014 and was the first Iowa player drafted in the top 10 since Robert Gallery in 2004, reflecting his long-standing reputation for excellence.
The Legacy and Future Implications of Scherff’s Retirement
Brandon Scherff’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for both the Washington Commanders and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His durable presence and leadership along the offensive line will be missed, especially by Washington fans who believe his return could have bolstered their current roster against recent challenges. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels having been sacked 47 times during the 2024 season, the Commanders face a clear need for veteran protection on the offensive front.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, will need to fill the void left by Scherff’s departure and reassess their interior line options. Scherff’s career longevity and consistent performance demonstrate the value of experienced linemen, which may influence team strategies in upcoming seasons around player development and free agency movements.