Jacksonville Jaguars still not a top destination for free agents

After showing flashes and several tries, the Jacksonville Jaguars earned their first victory of the 2021 season. Nobody will take that away from them. However, this is only the beginning, and it will be a while before they fully turn things around. That’s why Jacksonville won’t likely be a premier destination for free agents next offseason.

Head coach Urban Meyer met with the local media Monday and touched on several topics, including injury updates and the Jaguars’ 2021 rookie class. During the sitdown, he was asked what he thinks the team will look like in one year. He believes the Jaguars will be a coveted spot for free agents to land with.

"I’m a big dreamer and I believe that this should be one of the destination places in the NFL. I really do. I, this area is unbelievable. Its stadium is fantastic. There’s a lot of narrative out there that I don’t believe. I believe players will want to be here, especially when we build this place up. The way we’re going to build it. So obviously in the state of Florida and you got the ridiculous fans here that want to win so bad, and we got an owner that’s, I think in the quarterback. So we’re going to get this thing going."

Meyer is right Jaguars fans are passionate. Also, it looks like Trevor Lawrence is a potential quarterback in the making. The state of Florida and Duval County are great places to live in, contrary to what a former NFL wide receiver believes. On the other hand, the Jaguars are still in the early stages of a rebuild, and it will take more than just one year to right the ship. Here’s the whole presser if you want to take a look at it.

The Jacksonville Jaguars may have to overpay for talent in 2022.

There were just a few playmakers in place when Meyer took over the team, so the Jaguars made several impact free-agent additions this past offseason. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and Jamal Agnew have become cornerstone players in Jacksonville.

On the other hand, the Jags are still a handful of players away from competing for a playoff spot. They could use a pass rusher opposite Josh Allen, and another starting cornerback. The offensive line could also use a boost at several positions.

General manager Trent Baalke might need to pay retail for free agents next offseason. This is a young team that is learning how to win, and won’t be a player’s first choice if he’s given the chance to join a contender for a similar amount of money.

Free agents could be wary of signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Just a few weeks ago, there were reports about Meyer potentially losing the locker room. That doesn’t seem to be the case after Jacksonville’s first win of the season but top free agents could be wary of joining the Jags. Why would they sign with a team where rumors about dysfunction pop up every other week. Of course, they’re rumors after all, and players can always vouch for the head coach and the culture. Nevertheless, some free agents could be hesitant to join a project that is in its still infancy.

Of course, Meyer and the Jaguars have the chance to change the narrative. If they can put distractions to rest and keep playing competitive football, things could change in a few months. For the time being, it’s too early to tell how Jacksonville’s season is going to play out. They could always take a few steps towards but they could also regress. The building blocks are there, it’s up to the franchise to get the most out of them, and put the team in a favorable position for the foreseeable future.