Tackle Parnell leaves Dallas for Jacksonville

Former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Jermey Parnell has cashed in big in the free agent market, agreeing to a five-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The deal is worth roughly $6.5 million annually and includes $13 million in guaranteed money, per a source.

It's a huge contract for Parnell, 28, a career backup with the Cowboys who played well in seven starts in place of the injured Doug Free in 2014.

The Cowboys had already braced themselves for the loss of Parnell by re-signing Free, 31, to a three-year, $15 million deal, including $6 million in guaranteed money on Saturday.

Parnell figured to have a bigger market in free agency because of he is younger and has a bigger upside.

His departure leaves a void at swing tackle for the Cowboys behind Free and left tackle Tyron Smith. The in-house options are Donald Hopkins and Darrion Weems. The team might also consider Tony Hills, a free agent who was signed for depth purposes following Free's injury last season.

This story was originally published March 9, 2015 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Tackle Parnell leaves Dallas for Jacksonville."