The Jacksonville Jaguars have had trouble winning games in 2024. They're 2-9 during their Bye week, and it's hard to see them racking up many more victories in what's left of the season. Not surprisingly, head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke are on the hot seat and will probably be gone in 2025. The next regime will have its work cut out.
While the roster has playmakers at key positions, it also has several glaring holes that have played a role in the team's underwhelming record this season. This begs the question, what are the team's most evident needs at the Bye? These three come to mind.
Cornerback is a big offseason need for the Jaguars in 2025
The Jaguars have a lockdown cornerback in Tyson Campbell and ascending rookie Jarrian Jones seems to be a fit in the slot. However, they need someone else in the boundaries to round out their starting trio.
The team's brass signed Ronald Darby in free agency but he's struggled more often than not. Montaric Brown is also in the mix but he's probably better suited for a reserve role. There's also rookie Deantre Prince, but he appears to be a project at this stage of his career.
D.J. Reed could be an intriguing option in free agency, but the Jags could also use an early-round selection in next year's draft. Regardless of the route they choose, they need to add reinforcements to their struggling secondary in 2025.
The interior D-Line is a big offseason need for the Jaguars in 2025
The Jaguars have a pair of bookend pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The duo has routinely brought the heat on the edges this season, but the defense has struggled to create pressure and defend the run on the interior. That's mostly because rookie Maason Smith has been a non-factor while veteran DaVon Hamilton has failed to have an impact.
The Jags invested two first-round picks in this year's draft on the interior line, but that shouldn't deter them from bringing in additional help in 2025. In fact, the front office shouldn't hesitate to use a second-round pick or go after a marquee free agent if given the chance.
Wide receiver is a big offseason need for the Jaguars in 2025
The Jaguars signed wide receiver Gabe Davis in free agency and later drafted Brian Thomas Jr., but Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons could undergo further changes in 2025. After all, Christian Kirk suffered a season-ending injury for the second year in a row and could be a cap casualty next year. Parker Washington appears ready to step in his place, but it wouldn't hurt to add depth at the position.
On the other hand, Davis was underwhelming even before he got hurt, and Jacksonville would be better off adding insurance early in the draft. They're currently on pace to clinch the first overall pick in the draft. Given that they're set at quarterback and there may not be an offensive tackle worth taking with the No. 1 selection, they could stay put or move down a couple spots and take either Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan.