Jacksonville Jaguars make top 5 most improved teams after free agency list

The Jacksonville Jaguars took advantage of the vast amount of cap space they had and gave their roster a makeover in free agency. Even though they avoided big-name players, they look significantly different and better than they did during the 2020 season, and for that reason, it isn’t shocking to see them be named as one of the most improved NFL teams after free agency.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of the teams that made the most upgrades during free agency and the Jags showed up at number four. Ballentine argues that the ‘influx of talent’, especially to the defensive front and secondary, makes them better.

Ballentine sees the signing of cornerback Shaquill Griffin as the biggest one the Jaguars made but also highlights the additions of safety Rayshawn Jenkins to the back end and Roy Robertson-Harris, Jihad Ward, and Tyson Alualu to the defensive line. On the offensive side of the ball, Ballentine likes the signings of wide receivers Phillip Dorsett and Marvin Jones Jr., who should round out an already talented wide receiver corps.

How good was the Jacksonville Jaguars shopping spree?

Even though the Jags had a slow start to free agency, they were arguably the most active team by the end of it. While not every signing will turn out into All-Pro selections, they all have the potential to contribute in some way in 2021. General manager Trent Baalke said that the team would be looking for value in the open market but it looks like they also focused on adding depth to the roster.

Last season, when key contributors such as defensive end Josh Allen and cornerback Sidney Jones went down with injuries, Jacksonville struggled to make up for their absence and the defense’s performance decreased because of it. Based on the moves the Jaguars’ brass made in free agency, they don’t want to get caught off guard once again and want to have players in place in case their difference-makers go down with injuries.

The Jaguars passed up the chance to sign big-name players such as outside linebacker Shaquill Barrett, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in the open market, they look notably better than they did before free agency started. Even though the Jags weren’t able to address the tight end position, they certainly look like one of the most improved teams in the NFL.