4 free-agent do-overs for the Jacksonville Jaguars during 2022 offseason

No. 2 free agent the Jaguars should’ve signed: Sony Michel, RB

Running back James Robinson has been one of the Jaguars’ most efficient players over the last two seasons but he’s currently nursing a torn ACL he suffered near the end of the 2021 season. He might not be back for training camp and will probably have to wait until the regular season to return. On the bright side, Jacksonville has a more than capable replacement in Travis Etienne, the 25th overall pick in last year’s draft.

Etienne was supposed to have an important role on the Jaguars’ offense last season but a preseason injury forced him to sit out his whole rookie season. The former Clemson Tiger says he’s now fully healthy and practiced without restrictions during mandatory camp. He will probably be the starting running back in Week 1 and he should have no trouble carrying the load. However, the Jaguars can’t overwork him, and must also lean on Ryquell Armstead and Snoop Conner.

Armstead returned to the Jaguars towards the end of the 2021 season after spending time with the New Orleans Saints, the Green Bay Packers, and the New York Jets. He went on to have a productive game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, racking up 52 yards on nine carries. Meanwhile, Cooner was a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft that will compete with Armstead for playing time. The duo could end up performing well but the Jags could have also signed Sony Michel, who signed an affordable $2.1 million deal with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.

Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams last offseason after spending his first three NFL seasons with the New England Patriots. Throughout his career, he’s had 743 carries for 3,137 yards with 18 touchdowns. Given his past production and the size of the contract he signed with the Phins, he would have been a low-key, solid signing for the Jaguars.