Analysis: What will Jacksonville Jaguars do with their top 10 free agents?
52. . . . D.J. Hayden, cornerback. . player
The Jacksonville Jaguars need depth at the cornerback position.
D.J. Hayden is coming off a tough, injury-riddled season, but he is probably one you can let go if you’re the Jaguars and be okay even though he has been one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league over the last few years due to his lack of production in 2020.
As recently as last season, he didn’t allow a touchdown and had a 79.6 Pro Football Focus grade, the highest of his career. Nevertheless, injuries have mounted a bit and his play has started to take a step back this season.
Now, he still holds plenty of value. If this Jacksonville team can re-sign him at a reasonable price, it would make sense to bring back a savvy veteran in a young secondary. The team’s depth at cornerback has been tested in 2020, and it’s unlikely the team’s brass want to go into next season with the same kind of situation.
On the other hand, Hayden was paid handsomely when he signed with the Jaguars and he may want to see what is out there for him in the open market and see if he’s still worth the six million dollars he was paid this year, as he rightfully should.