5 big-name free agents Jaguars can sign this offseason
The Jacksonville Jaguars had some moments in 2021. Their upset over the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 was one of the best games of their season and beating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 was a great way to finish the year. But don’t let those flashes fool you. The Jags were one of the worst teams in the league and their lows were pretty awful.
If the Jaguars want to improve significantly, they will need to keep a few key players and add a few playmakers in the offseason. While the 2022 NFL Draft will offer loads of talent, the front office, which will most likely be led by general manager Trent Baalke, will need to nail free agency. Last year, they looked for value but they can’t take the same approach if they want to start winning games and improve quickly. They will have around $60 million in cap space, per Spotract, which will be more than enough to make a few big-name additions. In particular, these five players would make a splash in Jacksonville.
No. 1 big-name free agent Jaguars must sign in 2022 – Brandon Scherff.
Keeping Trevor Lawrence’s jersey as clean as possible should be one of the Jags’ top priorities this offseason and they will need to upgrade their offensive line for that to happen. Right guard A.J. Cann and left guard Andrew Norwell are both scheduled to become free agents. While it makes sense to re-sign the latter, the Jags could let the former walk and sign Brandon Scherff to take his place in the lineup.
Scherff has been one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL since being drafted fifth overall by the Washington Football Team in 2015. He has made five Pro Bowls in his career and was a First-Team All-Pro designation in 2020. Although he has missed 22 games over the last two-four years, he will be one of the best guards available in the open market.
Scherff won’t’ come cheap though. Pro Football Focus expects him to ink a three-year deal worth $50 million with $30 million guaranteed. That’s a bit pricey but signing him would ensure Lawrence has optimal protection upfront.