Jaguars RB Travis Etienne shines, other observations from loss to Broncos

2. The Jaguars aren’t getting a solid return on their defensive additions

The Jaguars weren’t afraid to use the surplus of cap space they had earlier this year and went into a spending spree in free agency. Not only did sign receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones but they allocated plenty of money to the defensive side of the ball.

Besides signing defensive end Arden Key to a one-year contract, they gave long-term deals to defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and cornerback Darious Williams. Nevertheless, the Jaguars don’t have much to show for their investment. All of the defenders they locked up in free agency have flashed at times but not one of them has become a cornerstone player.

Sure, Arden Key sacked Russell Wilson and Darious Williams also logged a pass defensed against the Broncos but the Jaguars’ defense allowed their offense to score 21 points, which is a cause for concern when you take into account that Denver ranked 32nd in the league in points scored entering Week 8.

While there’s a chance the Jags’ defense will eventually gel, the team hasn’t gotten a return on the investment they made in free agency. To make matters worse, Jacksonville might be working with a limited amount of cap space next year, so they could have a hard time making additional additions. It’s too early to pan the Jags’ 2022 free-agent class but it’s fair to say they could be having a bigger impact.