5 unsung free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars must bring back in 2023

This has been a different offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In previous years, they would try to acquire as many impact players as possible in free agency. Now, they’re trying to keep their own from leaving and they’ve so far done a nice job.

Besides re-signing running back JaMycal Hasty and backup quarterback C.J. Beathard, they kept tight end Evan Engram from hitting the open market by applying the franchise tag. While both parties would have liked to strike a multi-year deal, that’s something they’ll need to worry about later. Their focus must now be on locking up other players with expired contracts, which won’t be an easy task.

Right tackle Jawaan Taylor seems headed into free agency, where he’s expected to have a massive market. Marvin Jones Jr. might no longer have a place in the Jags’ wide receiver corps after Calvin Ridley’s reinstatement and he could be of much more help to other clubs. Similarly, defensive end Arden Key will be a hot commodity for teams that are looking to upgrade their pass rush.

Based on the Jaguars’ current cap space and their overall roster depth, it’s highly that these three players will leave this offseason. However, there are other players the team’s brass should strongly consider bringing back. In particular, they should make an aggressive effort to bring these five back.

5. The Jacksonville Jaguars should re-sign Adam Gotsis in 2023

The Jags parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Cullen last offseason and hired Mike Caldwell to take his place. Even though Jacksonville kept a 3-4 defense, Caldwell brought his own version, and given that it was his first year at the helm (and in that position), an adjustment period was expected.

As the 2022 season progressed the Jaguars’ defense found its identity and one player that was low-key an important part of their defensive line rotation was Adam Gotsis. The 2016 second-round pick appeared in 15 games and played 29 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, logging three sacks and 14 total pressures.

Gotsis didn’t sign with the Jaguars right away last year and instead waited until May to ink a one-year $1.235 million contract. Offering him a similar amount this offseason would make sense.