Jaguars: Top 4 offensive guard targets in 2022 NFL free agency
After years of minimal returns, the Jacksonville Jaguars shook things up this offseason and started a rebuild. Although they made several moves that have had a positive impact, they’re not done. In fact, this is just the beginning and they will need to keep making additions next year.
Fortunately, the Jaguars will have plenty of cap space to sign a few impact free agents in 2022. They’re set to have around $66 million in cap room, per Over The Cap. Moreover, they don’t have any priority players to keep outside of wide receiver DJ Chark and maybe left tackle Cam Robinson.
This means the front office can use their vast amount to upgrade several position groups. One unit that could use a boost is the interior offensive line. Right guard A.J. Cann and left guard Andrew Norwell are set to hit the open market next year. Tyler Shatley, the team’s primary backup inside, will also become a free agent.
While re-signing Andrew Norwell at the right price makes sense, the Jags need to use the opportunity to upgrade their offensive line. Here are the top-four offensive guards they could target in 2022.
No. 1 guard the Jaguars must target in 2022 free agency – Connor Williams
The Dallas Cowboys will be in a cap crunch next year and may have a hard time keeping offensive guard Connor Williams. They’re currently set to be $11 over the cap next offseason. That figure should go down after restructuring a few contracts and releasing a few players. Nevertheless, keeping the Texas product may turn out to be challenging.
Williams was a second-round pick by the Boys in the 2018 draft. Although he tore his ACL in 2019, he went on to start every game the following season and has played every single offensive snap in Dallas in 2021.
During the preseason, Williams got some snaps at center, which would make him even more valuable. He’s currently 24 and may not have reached his ceiling yet. In 2020, he earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 70.8. He’s doing a bit better this year, posting a 70.9 overall mark.