NFL Free Agency: Who can still help the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Can the Jacksonville Jaguars still find a gem or two in free agency prior to the start of the NFL season?

The Jacksonville Jaguars currently have over $21M in salary cap space to use if they so choose. That figure includes the $17.8M set aside should defensive end Yannick Ngakoue signs his franchise tag tender and plays this season in Black and Teal.

The Jaguars are a team still in need of help on both sides of the football and with free agents out there looking for a place to land – for the right price – would it make sense for general manager David Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone to once again explore other options?

The front office did a solid job in the NFL Draft, garnering high marks from many NFL websites and analysts who believe this franchise targeted needs and filled them, especially with the first five picks over last weekend. C.J. Henderson, K’Lavon Chaisson, Laviska Shenault and DaVon Hamilton all have a real chance to start in the team’s first game of the season.

Officially, no international games in 2020: “We believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the US, Mexico and UK.” https://t.co/kc9mAgXNoU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 4, 2020

Add Ben Bartch, Josiah Scott, and Shaquille Quarterman and the Jaguars could have another solid nucleus in the next couple of seasons.

Still, as with any football team, if there are players out there who can make the team better at any position, then the Jacksonville Jaguars should do their due diligence to make that happen. The first wave of free agency was successful, hitting needs on the defensive side of the ball while adding help at tight end and now running back.

What would be at the top of Caldwell’s list of needs at the present moment? It’s not an easy guess, but by judging who is still shopping for a home prior to the start of the NFL season, I can offer three words for you – Defense, Defense, Defense.

Here are a few free agents who could fit for the Jaguars this season.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE

This would be heaven in North Florida, with a caveat.

In order for the Jacksonville Jaguars to take a swipe at Jadeveon Clowney, the front office would need to first trade Yannick Ngakoue, which has not been the easiest thing to do this offseason. Second, it would mean the $17.8M the team has allocated to keep Ngakoue would be used as part of the deal to sign the former Seattle pass rusher.

Clowney would create matchup problems for opponents in Todd Wash’s system, especially if the team uses a 3-4 defense more often. I do wonder, though. If Jacksonville were to get a deal like this done, does it defeat the purpose of drafting Chaisson if the defense remains the same? Where do they play the rookie? Which one plays outside linebacker opposite Myles Jack?

Everson Griffen, DE

What does the veteran have left in the tank? I am a little shocked a team has not picked up the veteran to become part of a situational pass-rush rotation. And if Everson Griffen came to Jacksonville, does he fill the void left by Calais Campbell in the locker room?

At 32-years-old, Griffen recorded eight sacks and 41 total tackles last year, so there is still value to bringing him on board.

Last season, his base salary was $6.4M, which is certainly affordable with the money remaining within the Jaguars salary cap. Having Griffen in the rotation would be a big help on the field for the younger players still adjusting to the NFL.

Prince Amukamara, CB

We have been here before, but Prince Amukamara could be a nice low-cost addition to the secondary and would add depth immediately.

The Jacksonville Jaguars spent plenty of draft picks on defensive backs last week. Would adding another veteran make sense? In 2016, he played a limited role but had 49 tackles and six passes defensed.

I think the front office should kick the tires on this one. It might be a solid low-risk option should the draft picks take longer to develop this season.

dark. Next. The Jaguars add tight end, Tyler Eifert. to the roster

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