FA Ahkello Witherspoon would be solid depth addition to Jaguars’ CB room

Cornerback doesn’t come often when discussing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ biggest needs this offseason due to the presence of Tyson Campbell and Shaquill Griffin, a solid starting duo. However, the Jags could add depth to the position, and Ahkello Witherspoon could be a solid option in free agency.

Cody Benjamin recently put together a list of potential offseason steals and Witherspoon made the cut. Benjamin points out that the former Colorado Buffalo wasn’t able to thrive with the San Francisco 49ers but notes that he fared significantly better as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

"The former 49ers starter never stuck as a steady full-timer in San Francisco and made just three starts for the Steelers down the stretch in 2021, but he brought some stability to Pittsburgh’s secondary with three picks and nine pass breakups. Witherspoon is still young (26), with good size (6-feet-2) and experience, making him a high-upside bet for an outside job."

A third-round pick in the 2017 draft, Witherspoon good not great during his four-year stint in San Francisco, appearing in 47 games with 33 starts and logging 24 passes defensed, one forced fumble, four interceptions. As Benjamin pointed out, it looks like he found his footing in Pittsburgh as he posted a healthy Pro Football Focus overall grade of 75.9 last year and popped was ranked 124th in their top 200 list of free agents.

The Jaguars should kick the tires on Ahkello Witherspoon in free agency.

Benjamin expects Witherspoon to sign a contract that pays him from $5 million to $8 million while PFF projects that he will strike a one-year deal worth $4 million. All things considered, that’s not cost-prohibitive and the Jaguars can easily afford to make him a competitive offer in that range. On the other hand, Jacksonville must take into account that he’s never played a full season and has dealt with a series of injuries over the past few years that have forced him to miss several games.

Having said that, Witherspoon would be a solid addition to a Jaguars’ cornerback unit that could be without Nevin Lawson and Tre Herndon. Both are slated to become free agents and if the two of them aren’t brought back, the Jags’ depth at the position will be thin. The team’s brass should use one of the middle-round picks in this year’s draft but they should also sign a veteran in free agency, and Witherspoon fits the bill.

Witherspoon’s injury history could give potential suitors pause in free agency but he showed last season what he can do when given a chance, that’s why the Jaguars should take a flyer on him.