And just like that, the Jacksonville Jaguars concluded their search for a new general manager. All things considered, it was a relatively smooth process. Sure, it took a bit longer than expected, but the Jags ultimately ended up with a guy who's put together an intriguing resume: James Gladstone.
Apart from his age — he's 34 — Gladstone's stint with the Rams stands out because they drafted several game-changers since he became the director of scouting in 2021. Below is an inconclusive list of the players they've selected since then.
- Braden Friske, defensive tackle
- Jared Verse, edge rusher
- Kyren Williams, running back
- Kobie Turner, defensive lineman
- Kamren Kinchens, defensive back
- Steve Avila, offensive guard
- Puka Nakua, wide receiver
Granted, Gladstone wasn't the sole reason Los Angeles found all those players but he most definitely played a role. In Jacskonville, he'll have ample talent to work with, but also several needs to address. Working in his favor is that the Jags have $38 million in cap space and 10 draft picks.
While Gladstone will cast a wide net to make upgrades across the roster, he'll surely look into his former team for any potential help. Heck, the Jags should be now a top destination for All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp because of his connection with their new general manager and their head coach.
But aside from Kupp, here are other Rams players the Jaguars could target after hiring Gladstone.
Related story: 3 Rams players (not on the list below) Jacksonville could sign in free agency
Darious Williams, cornerback
Disclaimer, not all the players on this list will be unrestricted free agents, and the Jaguars will need to either trade for them or wait for the Rams to release them. That's the case with cornerback Darious Williams.
After going undrafted in 2018, Williams spent a few months with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Rams. It took him a bit to hit his stride but went on to become a stable of their secondary. The UAB became a free agent in 2022 and wasted no time signing with the Jags. Although he didn't record a takeaway in his first season with the Black & Teal, his 16 passes defensed did lead the team.
Williams followed that up with an even better 2023 season, registering four interceptions and 19 batted passes. However, the Jags moved on from him last year because his release created a considerable amount of space. However, his departure left a massive void in the secondary, and cornerback remains a need this offseason.
The Rams saw an opportunity and re-signed Williams, but he wasn't nearly as productive, so there's a chance he could be a cap casualty. Releasing him would leave $9.1 million in cap hit but it would also create $3.8 million in space. Given that Los Angeles is in dire need of cap relief, there's a chance they'll pull the trigger. If they do, the Jags should arrange a reunion.
Demarcus Robinson, wide receiver
Demarcus Robinson is far from a star but has been reliable anywhere he's gone, hauling in a respectable 250 receptions for 3,013 yards with 27 touchdowns. A fourth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, he bolted for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 and spent the last two years in the City of Angeles.
Last year, the former Florida Gator posted career bests for receiving yards (505), yards per catch (16.7), and touchdowns (seven). If the Jaguars keep Christian Kirk, they could bench the underperforming Gabe Davis and have Robinson line up opposite Brian Thomas Jr.
This is a legitimate scenario when you take into account that Jacksonville won't have to break the bank for him in free agency.
John Johnson, safety
This signing will make sense if the Jaguars let Andre Cisco walk in free agency. John Johnson is coming off an injury that forced him to sit out 15 games last year, but prior to that, he was a dependable NFL starter, appearing in 108 games with 88 starts from 2017 to 2023.
In fact, the only season in which Johnson didn't suit up for at least 15 games since 2018 was 2019. That year, he missed 10 outings. Like several Rams players, he left for another team when he was a free agent, and eventually returned to Los Angeles.
Sure, Johnson isn't a ballhawk in the mold of Cisco, having registered more than three interceptions in a season just once in his NFL career. That said, he's the kind of savvy veteran who can help set the tone both on and off the field. Moreover, signing him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive, so he would be a logical replacement for Cisco.