4 RBs the Jaguars can sign in free agency after releasing Carlos Hyde

No. 3 RB the Jaguars can target in free agency – Marlon Mack.

Here’s a signing that could bolster the Jaguars’ running back room group off the bat. Just three years ago, it looked like Marlon Mack was on his way to becoming one of the top running backs in the league but injuries and the ascension of teammate Jonathan Taylor made him an afterthought in Indy.

A fourth pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2017 draft, Mack totaled 442 carries for 1,999 yards with 17 touchdowns in 2018 and 2019 combined. However, an Achilles injury limited him to one game in 2020 and paved the way for Taylor to be Indy’s number one running back.

Although Taylor become the unquestionable starter in 2020, the Colts brought back Mack on a one-year deal but his workload was decreased considerably, logging 28 carries for 101 yards with no touchdowns last season. There’s no longer room for Mack in Indianapolis and he could benefit from a change of scenery. He could get it in Jacksonville and it wouldn’t be expensive to sign him. Last offseason, he got $2 million to return to Indianapolis and he should get a similar amount this year.

There will be other running backs in free agency with a better track record (and more talented) than Mack but rehabilitating his stock in order to eventually get a better contract should incentivize him to get back on track. If the Jaguars are willing to bet on him, signing him could pay big dividends.