Jaguars have another free-agent cornerback option in Janoris Jenkins
Free agency is around the corner and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer recently talked about the need to bolster the team’s secondary group. A free-agent market that already included plenty of slot and boundary options is going to have another one in Janoris Jenkins.
The New Orleans Saints are releasing Jenkins, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. By moving on from the 2016 Pro Bowl nod, the team will free up $7 million in cap space. Although he logged 55 total tackles (two for a loss), 12 passes defensed and three interceptions, New Orleans was in dire need of cap relief and need to look for cap space wherever it could.
A second-round selection by the Los Angeles Rams in 2012, Jenkins signed a five-year $62.5 million contract with the New York Giants in 2016. He was waived in 2019 after making remarks about the team’s performance and getting into arguments with fans on social media. The Florida native was then claimed with the Saints and spent the last two weeks of the season with them.
Over his nine-year career, Jenkins has played 128 games, with 125 starts, and logged 522 total tackles (14 for a loss), 118 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and 26 interceptions. Although he has a penchant for making plays, he also has a propensity to give them up, having surrendered 13 touchdowns in the last three seasons.
Why should the Jacksonville Jaguars pursue Janoris Jenkins?
The Jaguars need help at cornerback this offseason. Sophomore C.J. Henderson will probably take over one starting spot, but the one opposite of him might be up for grabs. Also, there’s the fact Sidney Jones, Greg Mabin, and D.J. Hayden are set to hit the open market, so this Jacksonville team needs to replenish their cornerback room.
The Jags could target someone like Patrick Peterson or William Jackson III in free agency but if they are out of their price range or other teams outbid them for their services, they should consider targeting either Jenkins and fellow cap casualty Malcolm Brown, who was recently released by the Tennessee Titans.
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It’s unlikely Jenkins will get the kind of deal he got in 2016 but there should still garner some demand for his services in the open market. He’s not a top-tier player but teams are always in need of cornerbacks and the more they can get their hands on, the better. If he fits Jacksonville’s budget, the front office should definitely make a play for him.