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

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars should re-sign DE Dawuane Smoot in 2023

Who would have thought in 2017 that defensive end/outside linebacker Dawuane Smoot would be one of the longest-tenured players on the Jaguars’ roster in 2022? If you raised your hand, please put it down because you know you didn’t. Back then, the former Illinois Fighting Illini was just a rookie trying to land his feet on the NFL and quarterback Blake Bortles and cornerback Jalen Ramsey were the faces of the franchise. Good times, right?

Bortles and Ramsey have long been gone while Smoot deserves for outlasting Doug Marrone and Urban Meyer. Having said that, his run with Jags might come to an end. The former third-round pick has been one of the most consistent players in Jacksonville for a while, which is why he signed a two-year deal worth $10 million in 2021.

Smoot was an important piece of the Jags’ pass-rush rotation last year, tallying 34 total pressures and six sacks. However, his season came to an abrupt end when he tore his Achilles against the Jets in Week 16. Despite the fact that his numbers won’t pop off of the stat sheet, his presence would offer stability on the Jaguars’ defensive front.

Outside linebacker Josh Allen is entering a contract year. Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson hasn’t lived up to his draft billing and there’s a chance Travon Walker, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, won’t make a significant leap next season. Keeping Smoot around would ensure there’s some continuity up front. On top of that, he might be more valuable in Jacksonville than in other places, so the Jags should try to keep him for at least one more year.