Jaguars can still sign these 4 impact free agents before training camp

Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 7, 2018. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 7, 2018. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert #88 (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Jacksonville Jaguars should consider bringing back Tyler Eifert.

The Jaguars allocated a vast amount of resources to most positional groups, so it was kind of puzzling to see them not address their tight end room properly. They didn’t neglect it but they could have surely done a better job of replenishing the unit. They signed Chris Manhertz in free agency; the Canisius product will play a key role in red-zone and short-yardage situations, but he’s not a receiving threat.

The Jags also drafted Luke Farrell and signed Tim Tebow after this year’s selection meeting. Both players (especially Tebow) need to work on their craft before they can see the field. The Tebow signing may work out and Farrell could develop into a fine NFL starter down the road. Nevertheless, the Jaguars should err on the side of caution and add someone else to their tight end room before training camp starts.

Although the free-agent pool has shrunk considerably, there are a few options still available and Tyler Eifert is probably the best of the bunch. Injuries have robbed the 2015 Pro Bowl nod of some of his speed and he’s no longer the player he was early in his career. However, he can still be a reliable target.

Last year, Eifert was the Jaguars’ best tight end, hauling in 36 receptions for 349 yards, along with two trips to the end zone. That’s not the kind of production you would ideally want but he may be a better option than any other tight end the Jaguars currently have on the roster. Also, most skilled-position players saw their production take a hit due to the inconsistency at quarterback. With Trevor Lawrence now at the helm, Eifert could see his production increase.