Jacksonville Jaguars: Is DB Lamarcus Joyner worth a look if available?

The Jacksonville Jaguars need help in the back end and should be paying close attention to the players that teams are releasing ahead of free agency in order to get cap relief. There’s a chance Las Vegas Raiders release defensive back Lamarcus Joyner this offseason and he’s available, the ‘Jags’ should consider kicking the tires on him.

A second-round pick in 2014’s draft, Joyner signed a four-year $44 million contract with the Raiders after a successful five-year career with the Los Angeles Rams. At the time, it looked like the Florida state product would become a staple of the Las Vegas secondary. Nevertheless, he’s struggled in the last two years and could become a cap casualty this offseason, as he’s set to make $11.2 million in 2021 but releasing him would open up $8.7 million in cap space with a $2.5 million dead money hit.

In his last two seasons with the Rams, Joyner allowed just 21 receptions on 44 targets. However, his performance took a dip with the Raiders, and has given up 94 catches on 130 targets over the last two years. The fact he switched to slot cornerback after mainly playing safety in Los Angeles could explain why he’s struggled in the last two campaigns after previously playing at a high level.

This one could be a tough one for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If the Raiders end up releasing Joyner, the Jaguars would need to decide how much blame he should shoulder for underperforming in the last two seasons. Playing out of position didn’t surely help matters but that can’t be the sole reason for his regression.

On the other hand, Joyner’s lack of production in the last two years could prompt the Jaguars to offer him a one-year, prove-it deal. In the worst-case scenario, Jacksonville could move on from him in 2022, but if he plays the way he did in Los Angeles, he could turn out to be a low-risk, high-reward addition this offseason.

The Jaguars could take safety Trevon Moerigh in the first round of 2021’s draft or a prospect like Andre Cisco on Day 2. Nevertheless, they could still bring in Joyner to solidify their secondary this upcoming season.