Malik Jackson agrees six-year, $90m deal with Jacksonville Jaguars

Defensive end Malik Jackson, a key performer in Denver's championship season, is heading to Jacksonville as the opening move in the NFL's free agent period.

The Jaguars have reportedly agreed to terms with Jackson on a six-year deal worth up to $90m and including $42m guaranteed.

Jackson, who was the Broncos' fifth-round pick of the 2012 NFL draft, played both defensive end and defensive tackle for Denver's number-one defence last season.

He posted a career-best 45 tackles this past season for the Broncos, while knocking down a career-best seven passes and putting up five sacks.

The move, which was first reported by 9 News in Denver, can't be made official until the new league year begins on Wednesday at 9pm (GMT).

The Jaguars have more than $79m to spend under the salary cap this offseason and Jackson's acquisition is one of a number of big moves expected by the team.

Jeff Darlington of NFL Media reports that the Jaguars may next spend many millions on Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon.

Vernon received the Dolphins' transition tag last week, giving the team the right to match any offer he receives in free agency but their limited cap space will make it difficult to compete with Jacksonville in a bidding war.

Denver also released three players who helped them win the Super Bowl: tight end Owen Daniels, guard Louis Vasquez and long snapper Aaron Brewer.

"These decisions are never easy, but we appreciate the contributions Louis, Owen and Aaron made to our team, especially during our Super Bowl run," general manager John Elway said.