5 replacements for Jaguars OG Andrew Norwell in free agency

No. 5 option to replace Jaguars OG Andrew Norwell – Brandon Scherff.

Brandon Scherff is the cream of the crop when it comes to offensive guards in free agency. The Iowa product should get one of the richest deals this offseason and will most likely be one of the most coveted players in the open market. In fact, don’t be surprised if he lands a record-breaking deal.

A first-round selection in the 2015 draft, Scherff has been slapped with the franchise tag the last two seasons. If the Washington Commanders decide to use the tag for the third time, they would need to give him a 144 percent raise of his salary in 2021, which was $18 million. However, you look at it, it’s simply not cost-effective to give a guard a long-term contract that pays him an average of over $22 million, so Scherff will most likely become a free agent this offseason.

The Commanders could still find a way to retain the five-time Pro Bowler but it won’t be cheap. Spotract values him at $38.9 million spread over three years ($12.9 million average) but that estimate may be too conservative. Pro Football Focus projects him to get a three-year deal worth $50 million ($16.6 million average), which is closer to what he might get.

Besides paying a premium for his services, the team that signs Scherff will have to expect him to miss a few games due to injuries. After all, he hasn’t played a full season since 2016. That should be a cause for concern but if the Jaguars feel comfortable with that, they should then pursue him in free agency.