Jaguars free agency: 3 potential candidates for the franchise tag in 2023

2. Jacksonville Jaguars candidate for the franchise tag: Jawaan Taylor, RT

Some NFL players can make an impact right off the bat while others need a bit more time to hit their stride. Such is the case of right tackle Jawaan Taylor. A second-round selection in the 2019 draft, the former Florida Gator was a Day 1 starter for the Jaguars and has made 66 consecutive starts, not an easy feat in a sport as violent as football.

On the other hand, Taylor struggled with penalties early in his career. Moreover, he wasn’t particularly great in pass protection, allowing an average of 44 total pressures in his first three seasons. However, the right tackle turned the corner in 2022, allowing just 11 total pressures and five sacks.

Taylor said he wants to re-sign with the team that took a chance on him in the draft but he will be highly coveted in the open market. Good offensive tackles get paid in free agency and if the Jags don’t give him a long-term deal, someone else will.

Working against Taylor re-signing with the Jaguars is that they already paid left tackle Cam Robinson last season. Furthermore, they already have a potential replacement at right tackle in Walker Little. Then again, if Jacksonville can’t reach a multi-year contract with Taylor but still want to keep him around, the franchise tag then becomes an option.

Chances of getting the franchise tag: 15 percent