Jaguars have a clear path to CB Rasul Douglas in free agency

The Jaguars should be able to make a few splash signings in free agency due to the robust amount of cap space at their disposal and if they want to bolster their cornerback room, they should make a run at Rasul Douglas, who is expected to hit the open market.

Matt Lombardo of FanSided says the Green Bay Packers aren’t expected to keep Douglas due to salary cap constraints and also reports that multiple NFL teams could target him in free agency after logging a career-high five interceptions in 2021.

The Packers are currently $30 million over the cap and could shed several contracts just to get out of the red. They already restructured the contracts of offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, running back Aaron Jones, and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to free up $24 million in cap space. Linebacker Za’Darius Smith is a candidate to be released and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is also a good bet to hit the open market.

The fact that Green Bay is going to hand Aaron Rodgers a blockbuster contract and that they will next use the franchise tag on wide receiver Davante Adams might not leave much wiggle room to re-sign Douglas, who is projected to get a three-year contract worth $20.25 million with $13.25 million guaranteed this offseason, according to Pro Football Focus.

A third-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Douglas landed on the Packers’ practice squad and was later signed to the active roster after previously spending time with the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders. The West Virginia product went on to have a career year, appearing in 12 games with nine starts and logging 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and five interceptions.

Rasul Douglas would round out the Jaguars’ cornerback room.

Cornerback isn’t as big a need for the Jaguars as other positions but their secondary could surely use a player of Rasul Douglas’ caliber. They have a pair of solid starters in Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell but they could upgrade the slot.

Rudy Ford performed admirably at nickel after making the transition to safety but could use some competition. Tre Herndon, who has previously lined up in the slot is set to become a free agent, so the Jags might want to sign a cornerback this offseason. Douglas played in the boundaries last season but defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell could slide Campbell to the slot, where he began the 2021 season.

Now, it’s uncertain if the Jaguars want to sign Douglas knowing they need to prioritize other positions. Their wide receiver corps may need the most attention this offseason but they also need a pass rusher, at least a couple of starting offensive linemen, and a tight end to go alongside Dan Arnold.

It will be a few days before the free agency fully takes shape but it looks like Douglas is a good bet to be available. If he is, the Jaguars should consider kicking the tires on him.