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

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars should re-sign TE Chris Manhertz in 2023

Evan Engram was the most prominent Jaguars player with an expired contract but he wasn’t their only tight end slated to hit the open market. Chris Manhertz and Dan Arnold both remain unsigned ahead of free agency and the team’s brass need to consider re-signing at least one of them.

Arnold was one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets in 2021 before an MCL injury finished his season prematurely. However, he didn’t get much playing time last year and was even seen as a potential trade target. Meanwhile, Manhertz played an important role on offense, which is why the Jaguars should make a push to bring him back.

Manhertz joined the Jaguars in 2021 on a two-year deal worth $6.65 million. Although he doesn’t get many targets his way, he’s a superb blocker in run-and-pass situations. While many tight ends make a name for themselves for their pass-catching skills, the Canisius product will open lanes in the running game and will make sure Trevor Lawrence has enough time to throw, basically the kind of dirty work that won’t often get the recognition it should get when discussing the tight end position.

After applying the franchise tag on Evan Engram, the Jaguars won’t probably take a tight end in the first or second round of the draft. Maybe they’ll take one in the third or fourth round but they should err on the side of caution and re-sign Manhertz. Doing so wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive and would allow Jacksonville to take care of other needs in the 2023 NFL Player Selection Meeting.