Jaguars free agency: 3 dream targets for Jacksonville in 2022

Jaguars free agency target No. 3: EDGE rusher T.J. Watt

The Jaguars’ defense ranked 31st in total points and yards allowed. Also, they had trouble getting to opposing quarterbacks and logged a measly 18 sacks. Defensive coordinator Joe Cullen believes doubling their 2020 sack totals is doable, and he’s right.

EDGE defender Josh Allen should be fully healthy after missing eight games with a knee injury last year. Also, sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson will be moving to strong linebacker in the team’s new hybrid scheme. The LSU product posted 21 total pressures in the last seven games of the 2020 season. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the duo combine for 20 sacks.

Also, the team’s brass signed Roy Robertson-Harris and Jihad Ward in free agency. They both should get significant playing time in the Jags’ defensive line rotation this upcoming season. There’s no doubt that Jacksonville’s front four will be better in 2021 than it was last year. However, it could go from good to great next offseason if they sign T.J. Watt. The Wisconsin product is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and has arguably become as good as his older brother was back in his prime.

Over the last four years, Watt has posted 230 total tackles, 59 tackles for a loss, 49.5 sacks 25 passes defensed, 17 forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Imagine the kind of impact the 2017 first-round pick would have opposite Allen in Jacksonville.

Watt will probably want a blockbuster contract and rightly so. Signing him would be one of the best investments the Jaguars could make next offseason.