Although the Jacksonville Jaguars have made strides this season, they still have a long way to go before they become a perennial contender. They’re currently 3-7 and on the brink of getting knocked out of playing contention. Coaching has certainly played a role in the Jags’ inability to win games but their lack of difference-makers has also been a factor.
The team’s brass will need to keep adding talent next offseason, which might be difficult when you take into account that they are poised to be $4 million over the cap in 2023. Having said that, Jacksonville can easily balance their books if they rework a handful of deals and move on from a few players whose production hasn’t been on par with their salary.
Heck, the Jaguars might even create enough cap room to sign a few players in 2023. With that in mind, here are five early targets to consider next offseason. Keep in mind that some of these players might return to their current team, so there’s no guarantee they’ll hit the open market.
No. 5 early free agent the Jaguars must consider: Elgton Jenkins
The offensive line is one of the Jaguars’ biggest strengths in 2022 but the group could undergo chances next year. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor might leave in free agency and Walker Little could end up taking his place in the lineup. Also, left guard Ben Bartch suffered a season-ending knee injury and it’s uncertain if he will get his job back in 2023.
If the Jags want to make an upgrade at left guard, they should then pursue Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, whose ability to play different positions across the offensive line will be highly coveted in free agency.
A second-round pick in the 2019 draft, Jenkins missed the 2021 season with a torn ACL but he’s bounced back nicely and currently has a 66.7 Pro Football Focus grade despite the fact that he recently switched positions.
Jenkins could turn the Jags’ offensive line into one of the best in the leagues. The only caveat is that he will most likely be in high demand next year and might not fit Jacksonville’s budget.
No. 4 early free agent the Jaguars must consider: Damien Harris, RB
The Jags have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Travis Etienne. However, the coaching staff must avoid overworking him if they don’t want his wheels to fall off. To prevent that from happening, the Jaguars’ brass could sign New England Patriots running back Damien Harris.
Even though Harris doesn’t have a high profile, he’s been highly productive for the Pats over the last three seasons, toting the rock 410 times for 1,922 yards with 20 touchdowns. With the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson in 2022, there might no longer be room for Harris.
While there will probably be other more well-known running backs in the open market next offseason, Harris doesn’t have much tread on the tires and could form a dynamic duo alongside Etienne in Jacksonville.
No. 3 early free agent the Jaguars must consider: Jessie Bates, S
The Jags have a rising young star in sophomore Andre Cisco and fellow safety Rayshawn Jenkins has rebounded after having a down season in 2021. However, they’ve struggled to defend the pass and create turnovers in recent weeks.
Jenkins will still have two years left in his contract in 2023 but the Jags can release him and free up $6.2 million in cap space with $4 million in dead money. They could then use the savings to sign Jessie Bates III, who would be an upgrade at safety.
A second-round pick in 2018, Bates was scheduled to become a free agent in the offseason but couldn’t reach a long-term deal with the Cincinnati Bengals and was instead slapped with the franchise tag. He’s once again set to hit the open market and if he does, the Jags might need to consider upgrading their safety room.
In 72 career games, Bates has registered 38 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and eight interceptions.
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.