Jacksonville Jaguars may pass on Josh Norman & that’s OK
By Luke Sims
The Jacksonville Jaguars are rebuilding their defense, but is Josh Norman really a must-have piece to build around?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have plenty of money left to spend on free agents and with the news that Josh Norman had his franchise tag rescinded from the Carolina Panthers, has fans salivating. Rebuilding the secondary was top priority this offseason and Norman is one of the best in the business.
But with the news that the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins were among the top teams to pursue Norman (including the Redskins meeting with Norman), it seems the Jaguars will miss out on another top free agent.
On face value, this is a shame. It’s a clear opportunity for the Jaguars to improve the talent in the secondary with a top cornerback. If they miss out to another team it is easy to pin this as another missed opportunity by general manager Dave Caldwell.
However, if the Jags do miss out on Norman, it isn’t the end of the world.
With the recent trades at the top of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jaguars are in better position than ever before to pick the player they want at fifth overall. Whereas the team was patiently waiting to see who would fall to number five before, now there will be a multitude of options.
One of those options will either be a pass rusher or a brilliant secondary player. Both options give the Jaguars exactly what they need: help against the pass.
That is exactly what is highlighted when considering the Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Norman union. They need help against the pass and it was painfully apparent through the 2015 season. But does that help have to be Norman? There’s no doubt he’s a talented player but he isn’t the definitive solution.
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So, as other teams continue to jostle for position to get after the brash cornerback, keep an eye on how the Jags maneuver in the draft to end up with the best player as they see it. Norman would be great, but there are other options.