After a successful 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be at risk of losing Grant Udinski. Although Liam Coen's right-hand man didn't draw much interest early in the hiring cycle, he has been in demand following the loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Udinski already met with the Cleveland Browns for their head-coaching vacancy and has been scheduled for a second interview. But even if he doesn't land the gig, he could still leave Jacksonville.
Even though Udinski is one of the top ascending offensive minds in the league, he doesn't hold playcalling duties with the Jags. That responsibility goes to Coen, so another team may try to lure him with the prospect of calling his plays.
But for the sake of the argument, let's say Udinski doesn't become the head coach in Cleveland, these three Jaguars could follow him.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars running back (free agent)
The Jaguars locked up wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen just before free agency. However, they still have their work cut out. Among their most prominent players scheduled to hit the open market is Travis Etienne.
A first-round pick in 2021, Etienne missed his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury but has tallied more than 1,000 rushing yards three times the past four seasons. Moreover, he gives the offense a dependable pass catcher out of the backfield, so having him back would be huge.
That said, Jacksonville is in the midst of a cap crunch. Unless general manager James Gladstone frees enough space, Etienne could leave in free agency. If he does, he'll be one of the hottest running back availables, and the Browns could make a push to sign him.
Granted, they used a pair of draft picks on Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson last year. Both of the flashed in 2025, Etienne is better than both of them and would give Udinski a familiar option to install his system.
Tim Patrick, Jaguars wide receiver (free agent)
Tim Patrick showed promise early in his career, which is why the Denver Broncos gave him a three-year deal worth $34 million in 2021. However, he was kicked to the curb after season-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons.
The Detroit Lions took a flyer on Patrick in 2024, and he went on to register 33 receptions for 394 yards with three touchdowns. Having rebuilt his stock, the San Diego, California native landed in Jacksonville via trade just before the regular season started. He had another fine year, hauling in 15 receptions for 187 yards with one touchdown.
You could make the case that Patrick didn't get nearly as much playing time with the Jaguars because they were stacked at receiver. But the Browns could use help at the position, so he could have a bigger role in Cleveland.
Walker Little, Jaguars offensive tackle (trade)
When the Jaguars gave Cole Van Lanen a three-year deal worth $51 million, they showed that they're not high on left tackle Walker Little. Sure, James Gladstone said that the team plans to keep all its offensive linemen from last year, but it may not be feasible.
As noted before, the Jaguars are $17 million over the cap, so they'll need to trim the roster to get a bit of relief. Trading Little would most definitely help, as he would leave $7 million in dead money but also create $7 million in space.
Little flashed early in his NFL career and held his ground once he became the left tackle full-time in 2024. However, he left much to be desired last year, and it's fair to wonder what contributed to his struggles. Talent isn't probably why, though, but regardless of the reason, the former Stanford Cardinal could benefit from a change of scenery.
Cleveland would be an ideal landing spot when you take into account that their offensive line is in dire need of upgrades.