5 early free agents the Jaguars must target in 2023 to round out roster

No.2 early free agent the Jaguars must consider: Daron Payne, DT

Defensive tackle Daron Payne garnered plenty of interest before this year’s trade deadline but the Washinton Commanders weren’t in a rush to move him. One thing that prevented a potential deal was that Payne is set to hit the open market next offseason and teams interested in his services would rather wait and sign him without having to give up any kind of compensation.

The Jags signed defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi in free agency but their front seven could still use a few upgrades. That’s where Payne comes in. A first-round pick by the Commanders in 2018, the Alabama product has logged 20 sacks in 74 career games.

One thing to keep an eye on is that Washington runs a 4-3 defense and Payne might not be a fit in the Jaguars’ 3-4 scheme. Nevertheless, his ability to get after the quarterback would be welcome with open arms in Jacksonville.

No. 1 early free agent the Jaguars must consider: Dalton Schultz, TE

The Jaguars brought some stability at the tight end position when they signed Evan Engram in free agency. However, he signed a one-year deal and might not be back in 2023. If he does leave, the team’s brass should go after Michael Mayer in next year’s draft. But if they want to take someone like Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr. with their first-round pick, they should then consider signing Dalton Schultz in free agency.

Schultz got the franchise tag in the offseason but he’s set to become a free agent next year. A fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft, he was a non-factor in his first two seasons but has been highly productive over the last three, haulining 167 yards for 1,690 yards with 13 touchdowns.

Like most players on this list, Schultz will be in high demand and the Jags might need to get creative if they want to pursue him.