Jaguars could sign these 4 free agents if they hire Nathaniel Hackett as HC

Giving Urban Meyer the walking papers before the 2021 season ended gave the Jacksonville Jaguars get a head start on the search for their next head coach. They already met with several candidates and they are set to interview Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett later this week, probably Friday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

This wouldn’t be Hackett’s first rodeo in Jacksonville. He was the Jaguars’ quarterback coach from 2015 to 2016. He got promoted to offensive coordinator once Doug Marrone became the head coach but was given the boot in 2018. Hackett became the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator in 2019 and has held that position ever since.

Keep in mind that Hackett has Aarron Rodgers’ endorsement, “hope he doesn’t go anywhere… unless I do.” Moreover, the Jaguars ranked fifth in the NFL in points scored and first in rushing yards back with Hackett at the helm in 2017. The fact that he was able to do it with Blake Bortles as his quarterback reflects well on him.

Hackett is one of several candidates that could develop Trevor Lawrence and if he becomes the Jaguars’ next head coach, he could bring these Packers pending free agents with him.

No. 1 Packer that could follow Hackett to the Jaguars – Robert Tonyan Jr.

With James O’Shaughnessy and Jacob Hollister slated to become free agents, the front office could use the opportunity to add reinforcements to their tight end room this upcoming offseason. While there might be better players available in the open market, Robert Tonyan Jr. could be a low-risk, high-reward signing. After going undrafted in 2017, the Indiana State product signed with the Detroit Lions. He was cut before the start of the season and joined the Packers later that year.

Tonyan had a career year in 2020, hauling in 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 of the 2021 season and is currently on the injured reserve list. In eight games he played, he caught 18 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns.

While Tonyan may need to spend the offseason rehabbing, he could be the red-zone target the Jaguars have lacked over the last few years, so giving him a one-year, prove-it deal is worth a shot.