5 Jacksonville Jaguars with big contract implications this year

No. 3 Jaguars player with big contract implications: Marvin Jones Jr, WR

You have probably heard analysts and talking heads talk about how underrated or undervalued wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. is but the truth is there might not have been a more valuable player than him on the Jaguars roster last year.

Not only was Jones a calming presence and a leader in the midst of the Urban Meyer debacle but he was the Jags’ best skilled-position player. The former California Golden Bear led the team in most meaningful receiving categories and should once have a key role in 2022.

Sure, the Jaguars signed Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in free agency and both of them will log a significant amount of playing time but Jones will still be an important part of the team’s offensive puzzle.

Keep in mind that Jones is entering the last year of the $12 million contract he signed last offseason and while some are of the opinion that he should demand a trade, the Jags have no incentive to do so. Why would they part ways with one of their most respected and talented players on the roster? Instead, they should let him play and see how he fares, alongside the newcomers.

Jones’ cap number this year is $8.7 million, and if the Jaguars want to keep him beyond 2022, they might be better off working out a contract extension. They can also let his current deal run its course but they would run the risk of potentially losing him in free agency, where he would have no shortage of potential suitors.