Is left tackle Jacksonville Jaguars biggest need in free agency?

After finishing 1-15 in 2020, it’s clear the Jacksonville Jaguars need to give their roster a makeover, but which position should they priority upgrading in free agency? Left tackle should be at the top of their offseason to-do list.

Quarterback is the Jaguars’ biggest need this offseason, but there’s a 99 percent chance they will take care of it with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which they will likely use to take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, it’s unclear what positions they will address in free agency.

Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report thinks left tackle is the Jaguars’ biggest free agency need and suggest they sign Trent Williams if he hits the open market or target Alejandro Villanueva or Russell Okung as a placeholder until the draft.

Williams is one of the best left tackles in the NFL while Villanueva has been one of the most consistent ones since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting lineup, so it makes sense to pursue either one in free agency.

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars sign a left tackle in the open market?

Cam Robinson is scheduled to become a free agent and it’s unclear if the ‘Jags’ are interested in bringing him back. Although the 2017 second-round pick has been inconsistent throughout his four-year career, young left tackles are a hot commodity in the NFL and even average ones command premium compensation.

Having said that, if the Jaguars really want to invest in the left tackle position, they should let Robinson walk away and sign Williams to take his place. It really depends on how much they want to spend. If they aren’t interested in adding a left tackle in free agency, they could always take one early in the draft, as they hold the 25th and 33rd overall selections.

Another alternative is to trade for Baltimore Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who wants to play left tackle. However, this Jacksonville team would have to part way with draft picks and probably give Brown a new contract if they are interested in acquiring him. On the bright side, they have the means to trade for the Oklahoma product, so it would be up to them to pull the trigger.

Even if left tackle isn’t the Jaguars’ biggest need this offseason, they still need to address it. If they want to, they can sign one in free agency, but they could also draft or even trade for one. They have options and they have to decide which one will benefit the team the most.