Do other teams sign players from the Jaguars roster in free agency?
By David Levin
Will the players the Jacksonville Jaguars release because of cap numbers or loss in free agency find homes with other NFL teams this offseason?
Years ago, somewhere around the 1999 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars were as talented as any team in the NFL. They had an offense that could score at will, a defense that was as dominant as any in the league and a roster that was costly, which meant veterans would have to restructure their contracts or become free agents.
It’s a good problem to have when you are a talented football team. It’s a statement about how far your team has fallen when the players you release or leave via free agency aren’t signed to another NFL roster. I suspect there will be more than a few players from this roster who wear another uniform in 2019.
Per John Sigler of Saints Wire, that could be the case as the team that came within a blown call in the NFC Title Game may look east to add depth to its roster. The Saints may not be the only team seeking some of the players who once called North Florida home.
"“The New Orleans Saints must rejuvenate their offense after it slowed down to close out the 2018 season, and they’re in position to find some depth from the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Sigler wrote.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“Jacksonville fielded a poor offense of their own but it was mostly due to subpar quarterback play and a flawed, run-first philosophy.”"
That doesn’t mean other team general managers won’t be interested in players seeking a fresh start. Quarterback Blake Bortles could find a home with a handful of teams to serve as a backup at a more affordable price tag. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders could be in the market to sign the fifth-year starter.
Corey Grant and T.J. Yeldon should find new homes fairly quickly as franchises want running backs who can catch the football out of the backfield and offer a change of pace style to the running game. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief could be on the Saints radar as a veteran pass catcher who is not asked to be “the guy” in the passing game, but can offer a solid set of hands from a veteran looking for another contract.
I doubt anyone signs Moncrief to a $9.6 million deal this offseason.
When the team releases Malik Jackson, the defensive tackle could be one of the more sought after veterans who can not only rush the passer from the interior line, but help stop the run. I suspect Jackson will have a few teams on the west coast looking to sign him to a two or three-year deal.
Watch for the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders to potentially add him this offseason.
The Miami Dolphins may also be a team that reaches out to his agent.
A name to watch is Austin Seferian-Jenkins. After one season, a shortened one by injury, the tight end, who is only 26, could still be of value to teams, including the Saints. As Sigler pointed out, he was a player the Saints targeted last offseason and could be one the team seeks in the next couple of weeks.
Next. The Jaguars free agent situation could affect free agency. dark
"“Austin Seferian-Jenkins was someone the Saints pursued in free agency in 2018, but he ended up signing with Jacksonville,” Sigler added. “Seferian-Jenkins was rarely targeted in the Jaguars’ run-first offense, but his larger body of work includes a respectable 61-percent completion percentage when targeted, as well as 11 touchdown catches."