Jacksonville Jaguars: The case for free-agent DL Jurrell Casey

If the Jacksonville Jaguars want to upgrade their defensive line, they need to pour resources into it this offseason. Although free agency is a few weeks away, they can already start making moves, as teams have started to release players in order to make some cap room, and defensive lineman Jurrell Casey is one of those players.

The Denver Broncos have released Casey, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, after acquiring him from the Tennessee Titans last offseason. Had he stayed on the roster in 2021, he would’ve counted for $11.8 million in cap space. The USC standout played just three games last season due to an arm injury and appeared in 15 percent of the team’s total snaps on defense, logging 14 total tackles (one for a loss) and two passes defensed.

A third-round selection by the Titans in 2011, Casey has started 142 games over his ten-year career and has registered 507 total tackles (85 for a loss), 51 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and 15 pass deflections. Moreover, he made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015 to 2019.

The Jacksonville Jaguars should kick the tires on Jurell Casey.

The Jaguars need to address many needs this offseason but even though they are in good cap space, not every signing they make will be of the blockbuster variety. They have to make a few bargain additions and add depth to their roster.

It’s unlikely Casey will make the kind of salary he was set to make in 2021 due to the limited cap floor teams will be working with and at the right price (maybe a two-year $10 million contract), he could be a solid addition to the Jaguars defensive line rotation. Before last season, he had missed just five games in nine years, so he wouldn’t come with injury red flags. He has the flexibility to play inside and outside and could give defensive coordinator Joe Cullen a chess piece to scheme with.

The Jaguars will have the opportunity to make many additions this offseason and should be an attractive destination for free agents. If they miss on the J.J. Watt sweepstakes or want to add depth to their front four, they should strongly consider pursuing Casey.