We are nearing arguably the most exciting time of the year for NFL fanbases, with free agency set to open March 12. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for their part, have plenty of big decisions to make when the market opens on March 12, as they aim to put the disappointment of 2024 behind them.
While they are coming off another rough campaign, there’s optimism that with some Pro Bowl talent at key positions and over $35 million in cap space, some savvy signings in free agency could turn this franchise into a contender sooner than we may think.
It may be a pie-in-the-sky mentality to suggest this team may contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. However, this team may not be as far off being in that mix as their 4-13 record in 2024 may indicate.
Here are three free agents that could turn the Jaguars into a championship contender in 2025. Two of them popped up on Pro Football Focus' list of the top 50 players set to hit the open market, and one of them barely missed the cut.
Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith
The Jaguars have been long overdue to add some proven talent on the offensive line, and there are some big names available that can help.
One of the biggest is Trey Smith, who had a banner 2024 season for the Kansas City Chiefs, without a single sack allowed per Pro Football Focus. Smith is a powerful mover in the KC run game, with a run block rate of 75.1 percent, the sixth-highest mark among NFL guards.
With the likes of Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby to call upon in Jacksonville, Smith could be a massive addition to the Jaguars’ offensive line, who, aside from Mitch Morse, are mediocre at best.
Liam Coen said it’d be all about Trevor Lawrence during his introductory press conference. Assuming the front office is on the same page as their new head coach, they will surely be hunting for a superstar lineman to protect their franchise player. It’s clear that if No. 16 is to live up to his hype of being a generational talent, the Jags need to get him better protection, which is where a man like Trey Smith can help.
There are plenty of offensive game-breakers for the Jags, from Brian Thomas Jr. to Bigsby and Etienne, but without solid protection up front, that won’t matter. Smith is a stud pass and run blocker, who the Jags should try to sign.
Two minutes of Trey Smith Highlights. pic.twitter.com/6hJTIuifGq
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) January 26, 2025
Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion, may be part of the first-ever three-peat winners come Sunday.
The Chiefs reportedly have $16.3 million worth of cap space and Smith’s market value is around $19.7 million. Back in January, the Jaguars reportedly had over $30 million worth of space per Over the Cap.
There’s been no indications that Smith will come to Duval, but the Jags have the money to go after him. If they want to show their fans they’re serious about winning now, they should push hard to bring him over.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin
The Jaguars finally saw the emergence of a marquee wide receiver in Brian Thomas Jr. last season, but another star at that position wouldn’t hurt.
Chris Godwin is looking for a bounce-back campaign after missing a good portion of 2024 with an ankle injury. Before that, he led the NFL in receptions. His connection to Coen, his former offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the emergence of Jalen McMillan could mean good things for the Jaguars, as the Bucs may be willing to move on from Godwin.
Spotrac values the former Second-team All-Pro at around $22.5 million per year. Meanwhile, the Jags may save over $10 million if they cut Christian Kirk before free agency opens.
People aren't going to remember how amazing Chris Godwin was this season until his injury... and it's a shame.
— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) January 21, 2025
pic.twitter.com/JQqdmDVjRg
Like Smith, Godwin is a former Super Bowl champion who has had four 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL. Staying in Florida without taxes to pay on your salary and playing for a coach he knows well might be a convenient option for the 28-year-old
Cincinnati Bengals DT B.J. Hill
Over the past few years, interior defenders have become highly coveted by NFL teams. Despite suffering his share of injuries, when healthy, B.J. Hill is still among the most disruptive players at his position.
In 15 games, the Cincinnati Bengals defender had 56 tackles last season with three sacks. The former North Carolina State product is a proven big game player, intercepting Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game in 2021, a play which helped turn that game around and enable the Bengals to emerge victorious.
Hill’s injury issues may be concerning, but on the flip side, he still had solid numbers in 2024 and would likely be a bargain in free agency. He had two interceptions during the 2023 season with Cincy.
BJ Hill picked that off from his ass WHILE getting the sack pic.twitter.com/8QaUp1CYAr
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 16, 2023
The Jaguars were fifth from the bottom of the league regarding sacks in 2024, registering just 34 overall. That said, they have capable players who have put up strong numbers in the past, like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, while Maason Smith came on strong near the end of last season.
Hill can be a valuable leader on the Jags’ D-Line, making it a little harder for opposing offenses to double-team the likes of Walker or Hines-Allen.
You may also like: