The Jacksonville Jaguars have been cleaning house in recent days, moving on from players who no longer fit their plans. Next, they'll need to revamp the roster and have enough cap space to make a handful of signings in free agency.
Sure, the Jags will address most of their needs in the draft, but they could also fill a few holes in free agency. In fact, a handful of players who previously suited up for them will be available. It would make sense to bring back a few of them.
For instance, Gardner Minshew will hit the open market after being told that the Las Vegas Raiders no longer need their services. He was the starting quarterback in Jacksonville in 2019 and could most definitely serve as the backup behind Trevor Lawrence.
That said, Minshew isn't the only former Jaguar the new regime should consider bringing back. Below are three more that could be re-signed.
DJ Chark, wide receiver
Coming off his first 1,000-yard season and a Pro Bowl nod, it looked like DJ Chark Jr. was on his way to becoming the team's No. 1 receiver in 2020. Unfortunately, injuries held him back in consecutive years, and the Jags moved on from him in 2022.
After unremarkable stints with the Carolina Panthers and the Detroit Lions, Chark signed with the Los Angeles Chargers last year but once again was a non-factor. At this stage of his career, he's no longer suited for a starting role but could be a viable backup. The Jaguars could definitely use depth at wide receiver, so a reunion shouldn't be ruled out.
Shaquill Griffin, cornerback
Back in 2021, Shaquill Griffin was one of the Jaguars' most prominent free-agent signings. While he was far from great, he held his own. Moreover, the former UCF Knight showed leadership in light of the Urban Meyer debacle, routinely showing face after a loss.
Griffin was expected to be even better in 2022 but a back injury forced him to miss most of the season. He was cut in 2023 and promptly joined the Houston Texans. The former Pro Bowl nod signed with the Minnesota Vikings last year and went on to have a bounce-back season.
Byron Murphy is the town of the talk in Minnesota, but Shaquill Griffin will also be on demand if he hits the open market. The Jaguars shouldn't hesitate to do due diligence.
K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher
K'Lavon Chaisson was a first-round pick in 2020. He was never able to live up to his draft billing in Jacksonville and after four unremarkable seasons, he left last year. The former LSU Tiger was able to quickly latch onto the Carolina Panthers but was quickly given the boot.
Having given the boot just months after signing with the Panthers, Chaisson joined the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad. He quickly got called to the active roster and made the most of his chances, registering a career-best five sacks and his first-ever interception and forced fumble.
Simply put, it took the player known as Swiper a bit to hit his stride. The fact that there's a new regime in Jacksonville could incentivize him to re-sign with the team that made him the 20th overall pick in 2020.
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