5 Jaguars free agents who are giving GM Trent Baalke tough decisions

No. 3 Jaguars tough decision in free agency – Andrew Norwell, LG.

Last offseason, left guard Andrew Norwell restructured his contract. While his salary was reduced, he was guaranteed $9 million and a chance to hit the open market in 2022. Since signing a five-year deal worth $66.5 million in 2018, the Ohio State product has been one of the most consistent Jaguars’ offensive linemen.

Norwell hasn’t gotten any Pro Bowl or First-Team All-Pro designation since landing in Jacksonville but has finished with Pro Football Focus overall grades of 65.5 or higher over the last four years. The veteran guard struggled in the second half of the 2021 season and was responsible for the infamous whirlybird play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. Then again, the Jags were a mess last season, and Urban Meyer’s toxic environment might have had a negative effect on Norwell.

The Jaguars will be making changes upfront and their offensive line could look very different in 2022. Norwell, right guard A.J. Cann, and backup Tyler Shatley are all set to become free agents. The current administration could move on from them and start from scratch but there’s value in bringing back Norwell. He’s still a good starter and might not mind returning to Jacksonville as long as the Jags compensate him well.

Norwell won’t likely be the highest-paid guard in the NFL but keeping him won’t be a bargain either. Pro Football Focus expects him to get a three-year, $21.75 million contract this offseason. It will be up to the Jaguars’ brass to decide if they want to fork out that kind of cash for the guard.