5 under-the-radar free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars should target in 2023

No. 3 under-the-radar free agent for the Jacksonville Jaguars: Lorenzo Carter

Edge rusher doesn’t usually come up first when discussing the Jaguars’ top offseason needs but it’s up there, alongside cornerback and potentially tight end. Even though outside linebacker Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, is expected to improve after a somewhat quiet rookie season, the Jags need to bolster their pass rush rotation.

Outside linebacker Josh Allen is entering a contract year. He’s been dominant at times but the Jaguars need more consistency from him. Then again, he’s fared much better than K’Lavon Chaisson, who hasn’t done enough over the last three seasons to justify Jacskonville’s decision and hasn’t done enough to draft him 20th overall in 2020.

Moreover, Dawuane Smoot finished last season on Injured Reserve after tearing his Achilles. To make matters worse, he’s set to become a free agent. The team’s brass will surely try to bring him back but if he walks away, they should consider adding Lorenzo Carter in free agency.

A third-round pick in 2018 by the New York Giants, Carter fared well in a reserve role in his rookie season, appearing in 15 games and registering four sacks, 43 total pressures, and seven tackles for a loss. He got an uptick in playing time the following season but wasn’t nearly as effective. He then missed 11 games in 2020.

Carter bounced back in 2021 and went on to tally five sacks and 50 total tackles, both career highs. However, that only netted him a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. He ended up starting every game, logging four sacks and setting a new career best for total tackles in 58.

There’s a good chance Carter will want to sign with a team that offers him a big role on defense but the truth is that he’s better suited for a rotational role and he would be a solid option for the Jaguars if they can’t re-sign Smoot.