Shaquil Barret could fortify the Jacksonville Jaguars’ front seven.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have their work cut off this offseason. Once they find their next general manager and head coach, they will need to start planning for the free agency period and one player they should consider targeting is Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett.
Barrett is set to become a free agent this offseason after getting a $15.8 million franchise in 2020. He’s been one of the best pass rushers in the last two years in the NFL, logging 27.5 sacks, 115 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, and five passes defensed.
As good as the sixth-year linebacker is generating pressure upfront, he can also drop in coverage. Last season, he allowed 6.7 yards per target and no receiving touchdowns. His flexibility could give the Jaguars’ next defensive coordinator a chess piece to deploy as a pass rusher or in pass coverage.
What are the chances of Shaquil Barrett joining the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Barret is going to be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. Pro Football Focus projects he will get a four-year $68 million contract in 2021. The Jaguars are projected to have $77.61 million in cap space, so they can easily sign the 2019 Pro Bowl nod.
On the other hand, the ‘Jags’ won’t be the only suitors Barret will have. In fact, the demand for his services will be high if he hits the market. Even though he’s expected to become a free agent, the ‘Bucs’ could make an offer he wouldn’t be able to refuse, or could simply place the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive team. If that’s the outcome, he will be off the market.
This Jacksonville team can’t afford to be passive this offseason. They have the means to give their roster a makeover and shouldn’t hold back. They need to make fixing their defense a priority and Barrett could become a building block in their rebuilding efforts.