Updated

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed their first of several free agents.

Former Carolina Panthers punter Brad Nortman inked a four-year contract with Jacksonville on Thursday, which was expected to be a busy signing day for the Jaguars.

General manager Dave Caldwell also has former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson, former Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson and former New York Jets running back Chris Ivory in town to sign free-agent deals.

Jackson and Gipson are expected to be immediate starters for a defense in dire need of more playmakers. Ivory will complement second-year pro T.J. Yeldon.

Nortman averaged 39.8 net yards a punt for the NFC champions last season. He replaces Bryan Anger, a third-round draft pick in 2012 the Jaguars infamously selected just ahead of defensive Olivier Vernon and quarterback Russell Wilson.

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