WR Cedrick Wilson could be a steal for the Jaguars in free agency

There’s no doubt that Amari Cooper would give the Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver corps a boost but he isn’t the only Cowboys receiver they should target this offseason. Cooper’s teammate Cedrick Wilson Jr. is set to be a free agent and should be on the Jags’ wish list.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report came up with a list of the best potential bargains at each position in this year’s free agency and believes that Wilson’s best fit is the Jaguars. Knox notes that the wide receiver posted a quarterback rating of 130.6 when targeted and thinks that he could be a potential steal.

"Teams should view Wilson as a high-end slot receiver and a potential free-agent steal—he has a projected market value of $6.4 million annually, per Spotrac. Wilson would be a wonderful addition for the Jaguars, who have their quarterback in Trevor Lawrence but an underwhelming supporting cast. Marvin Jones Jr. led Jacksonville with only 832 receiving yards, while the Jaguars ranked 27th in pass yards per attempt. In Jacksonville, Wilson could be exactly the sort of reliable slot target who can aid Lawrence’s development and add some potency to the passing game."

A sixth-round pick by the Boys in 2018, Wilson had a career year in 2021, hauling in 45 receptions for 602 yards with six touchdowns. He got his role on offense increased with Michael Gallop sitting out eight games due to injuries. Dallas would surely like to re-sign him but they may have a hard time doing it because they aren’t in great salary cap shape. While there will be other receivers with a better track record in free agency, Wilson would give the Jaguars a somewhat affordable option with plenty of upside.

Cedrick Wilson would give the Jaguars flexibility in free agency.

The Jaguars could certainly use Wilson but signing him comes with risks. Before 2021, he had caught just 22 passes, and expecting him to become a primary weapon in the passing game could be a risky proposition. Maybe he is a late bloomer and he’s just getting started but he shouldn’t be at the top of Jacksonville’s targets in free agency.

If the Jags do sign Wilson, they should make other additions to their wide receiver corps. They can select a wideout in the second or third round of this year’s draft and if possible, bring back DJ Chark Jr., who is coming off an ankle fracture he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 of the 2021 season.

The advantage of signing Wilson at $6.4 million per year is that he would give the Jaguars the flexibility to address other position groups in free agency and make a couple of splash signings. They could pursue a tight end like Dalton Schultz or Mike Gesicki or a pass rusher like Chandler Jones or Harold Landry.

A trip to the playoffs in 2022 seems unlikely for the Jaguars but they must hoard as much talent as possible this offseason if they want to start winning games. Signing Wilson could be a low-key move that could improve the Jags’ offense and would allow the front office to make other additions in free agency.