5 worst moves Jaguars’ GM Trent Baalke has made in Jacksonville

Jaguars GM Trent Baalke’s big mistake No. 3 – Giving up on C.J. Henderson.

The Jaguars benefited from trading cornerback C.J. Henderson to the Carolina Panthers, as they got tight end Dan Arnold and a 2022 third-round selection in exchange. However, the team’s brass gave up on him too early, especially when you take into account the former Florida Gator was the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Look, Henderson was far from perfect but he also showed promise as a rookie, appearing in eight games and giving up less than 50 receiving yards in four of them. He also logged a forced fumble and an interception last year. A groin injury prematurely ended his first NFL season but he deserved a legitimate shot at a starting job in 2021. Alas, he underwent shoulder surgery this past offseason and later landed on the COVID-19 reserve list, which affected his development.

In the end, the Jags’ decision-makers decided they have had enough and moved up from him after Week 3 of the current season. You could argue Urban Meyer inherited him and he was no longer a fit. Also, he’s continued to deal with injuries in Carolina but the sophomore corner has gone through a lot this year. You can’t expect him to improve under that kind of circumstances.

Sure, availability is the best ability in the NFL and Henderson has already missed ten games in his two-year career. However, the Jaguars gave up too early on him. It’s possible that he will have a chance to work in his craft and make a leap in 2022 if he’s healthy next offseason.