5 things Jaguars GM Trent Baalke must accomplish this offseason

No. 3 thing Jaguars must accomplish – Extend Josh Allen.

This goes hand in hand with the previous entry on this list. The Jaguars’ roster currently lacks playmakers and they need to keep the few ones they do. Outside linebacker Josh Allen is entering his fourth NFL campaign and the team will likely exercise the fifth-year option in his rookie deal.

However, the Jags shouldn’t wait to give Allen a contract extension. He’s arguably their best defensive player and one of their locker room leaders. The Kentucky product made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and he showed he can perform at an elite level last year. At the midpoint of the 2021 season, he was one of the most dominant pass rushers in the whole league, and although he wasn’t able to keep that level of play, he displayed how much disruption he can create. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell will be tasked with unleashing his full potential.

A couple of years ago, the Jags traded away Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. They got a few draft picks in exchange for them but it wasn’t worth it when you think of the negative impact the decision ended up having both on and off the field and the fact that they squandered said picks. The current regime can’t afford the same with Allen, and the sooner they make a long-term commitment to him, the faster they will be able to turn their attention to other issues surrounding the team.