Jaguars roster: 3 veterans the team should pursue if released

Veteran No. 1 that could give the Jaguars roster a boost: Linval Joseph

The Jaguars beefed up their defensive front this offseason. They traded for defensive tackle Malcom Brown and drafted Jay Tufele in this year’s selection meeting. Moreover, DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin showed flashes last season. Nevertheless, there could be room for veteran Linval Joseph, as this may be the year the team finally pulls the plug on former first-round pick Taven Bryan.

The 2010 second-round pick signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason. However, he could be one and done with the Bolts. Joseph had a relative down year in 2020, posting 62 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and no sacks in spite of appearing in all 16 games. On the other hand, he posted 26 total pressures and a healthy Pro Football Focus overall grade of 68.7.

Joseph has had a productive NFL career but he is no longer the player he was five years ago, when he earned back-to-back Pro Bowl designations as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. However, he could be effective in the Jaguars’ defensive line rotation. He’s set to count $11.9 million against the cap but if the Chargers released him, they would free up $5.9 million in cap space.

The East Carlina product may need to take a pay cut to stay in Los Angeles but if he gets released, the Jags should jump at the chance to sign him, as defensive tackle is one of those positions that still use reinforcements.