JACKSONVILLE, FL. () — Joshua Hines-Allen was a strong presence at the second week of organized team activities (OTA) for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hines-Allen’s attendance at OTAs came as a surprise, the veteran usually opts out of the mandatory training sessions to train in Arizona.

Last season, the Jaguars signed Hines-Allen to a monster 5-year contract worth over $140 million.

In 2023, the linebacker had a breakout season. Hines-Allen had 17.5 sacks, which was tied for second most in the National Football League.

Although 2024 showed some decline, concluding the year with 8 total sacks, he remains optimistic about Jacksonville’s defense being a significant strength this season.

“It’s all about the effort we put in daily,” he mentioned. “The communication we maintain in the red zone and in pressured situations, it all begins here.”

The Jaguars are set to take on the Carolina Panthers in week one of the NFL season on Sunday, Sep. 7 at 1:00 p.m.