Jaguars Free Agency 2019: The tight end position must be addressed

By David Levin | Mar 11, 2019

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Maxx Williams #87 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

With only one tight end listed on the active roster due to roster cuts and free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars must address the position this week.

The change at the quarterback position may be the most talked about need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that does not mean other needs are paramount for the success of this franchise. Looking at the team’s current roster and how it will change dramatically once free agency begins, the Jaguars need help at tight end potentially more so than at any other spot on the offense besides the man under center.

It’s a position I believe the team will address in both free agency and the NFL Draft.

James O’Shaughnessy led the team with 24 catches last season. He is set to become a free agent but may return in 2019. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was expected to come in and give this team a much-needed boost. He suffered a core injury and missed 11 games last year. He has since been released. There is a slim chance he could return.

"“This position – like multiple others offensively – could change dramatically during the offseason,” writes John Oehser of Jaguars.com."

More from Jaguars Free Agency

The last time the Jaguars had a truly effective tight end involved in the passing game was 2010 when Marcedes Lewis made the Pro Bowl.

Finding the right fit at the position is crucial to what new offensive coordinator John DiFilippo wants to do this coming season. As quarterback coach in Philadelphia in 2017, he had Zach Ertz to work with. In Minnesota when he was the team’s offensive coordinator, Kyle Rudolph was on hand to catch passes.

"“The Jaguars passed on multiple pass-catching possibilities at the position in the 2018 NFL Draft and released veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, with the result being a deficiency last season at the spot once Seferian-Jenkins went on injured reserve in October,” Oehser added."

Signing Jesse James in free agency is still a possibility as he would bring a much-needed pass-catching element to the team. As I wrote two weeks ago here on Black and Teal, there is a reason to believe the former Pittsburgh Steelers star could be one of the first targets of this organization on Wednesday.

"“It appears the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to lose another one of their offensive weapons in free agency as it has been reported by Tony Pauline that the Jaguars are highly interested in obtaining tight end Jesse James.”"

There are other names to consider as well, not to mention the Jaguars could take a tight end in the first round if they secure a veteran quarterback and can add pieces to the offensive line and a veteran running back.

If the Jaguars address the offensive line in the first round or snag a wide receiver, Noah Fant of Iowa could be a solid pickup in Round 2. The consensus is T.J. Hockenson of Iowa will be the first tight end off the board in the NFL Draft in April but is he worth the seventh overall pick? The need is great, but is it worth taking a chance like that?

ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco did offer up his own thoughts on the Jaguars grabbing Maxx Williams in free agency to help fill the void.

"“The Ravens drafted two tight ends last season (Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst) and Nick Boyle emerged as well, but Williams still found his way into their plans because he has improved significantly as a blocker since the Ravens drafted him 2015,” DiRocco explained.“There’s just not a spot for him in Baltimore any longer, but he would be a solid fit in Jacksonville.”"

Next. Report: Jaguars interested in Teddy Bridgewater. dark

There are other tight ends to consider for the Jaguars on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Jace Sternberger of Texas A&M, Irv Smith Jr. of Alabama, Kaden Smith of Stanford and Caleb Wilson of Stanford could all be available at some point, where the Jaguars have three picks in Round 2 and 3.

Home/Jaguars Free Agency