Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 bold trades with the Colts for Gardner Minshew

Jacksonville Jaguars trade target No. 2 – Safety Julian Blackmon

If the Colts hadn’t given right tackle Braden Smith a massive four-year contract extension worth $70 million just a few days ago, he would have been an appealing trade target. The Jaguars believe incumbent Jawaan Taylor will get back on track after struggling last season. Nevertheless, Smith would have been a massive upgrade but with him being locked, Jacksonville will have to look elsewhere for help.

Another player Indy could offer the Jags in exchange for Gardner Minshew is sophomore safety Julian Blackmon. The 2020 third-round pick had a solid rookie campaign, posting 43 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, six passes defensed and two interceptions. Furthermore, he played 15 games with 14 starts and appear in 89 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps.

Safety isn’t an area of need for the Jaguars but Blackmon would be a solid addition to the secondary. Although the Utah product gave up two touchdown receptions in 2020, he’s solid in pass coverage. Also, he posted a Pro Football Focus run grade of 79.4.

Rayshawn Jenkins will most likely start at one safety spot and veteran Jarrod Wilson at the other. Blackmon could challenge the latter for the job. The Jags also have rookie Andre Cisco and Daniel Thomas but bringing Blackmon in would eventually allow them to move on from Wilson, who is set to become a free agent after this season.

The Jaguars lacked depth at safety last season, landing Blackmon would ensure that it doesn’t happen again.