3 trade targets who can help the Jaguars turn a disappointing 2024 season around

After a dreadful 0-4 start to the 2024 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to get into the win column when they beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. While they showed enough promise to make you think that they can turn things around, there's still plenty of work left to do. One thing that could help the Jags in their endeavor would be adding talent before the trade deadline.

Sure, there are a handful of players who've underperformed and must step up if the Jaguars want to right the ship. On the other hand, they could use upgrades at a handful of position groups. These three players could provide it.

Budda Baker, safety

It's not hyperbole to say that the safety position has been underwhelming for the Jaguars. Andre Cisco was a candidate to break out before the regular season but has struggled as a tackler and in coverage. Similarly, Antonio Johnson's transition to safety after playing nickel last year isn't going well. The silver lining is that reinforcements are on the way.

Tashaun Gipson will have completed a six-game suspension for violations of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy by Week 7 and Andrew Wingard should be back from a knee injury not long after. That said, it wouldn't hurt to add top-notch talent at safety. That's where Budda Baker comes in.

While Baker hasn't been nearly as dominant as he's been in prior seasons, he's still one of the premier defensive backs in the league. He's been looking for a contract extension since last year but all he got was a temporary pay bump. The six-time Pro Bowl nod has yet to get the deal he wants and is slated to become a free agent in 2025.

If the Arizona Cardinals aren't planning to keep Baker around, they'd be better off trading him before the headline and getting something in return. The Jags should most definitely give them a call and see what their asking price is.

Haason Reddick, edge rusher

The New York Giants might've considered shopping edge rusher Azeez Ojulari but they won't be moving on from him anytime soon with Kayvon Thibodeaux landing on the Injured Reserved list. With Ojulari out of the picture, Jacksonville should turn its attention to Haason Reddick.

After two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reddick was shipped to the New York Giants earlier this year. However, he's yet to report to his current team and doesn't seem to be interested in ending his holdout. Heck, owner Woody Johnson personally asked him to get in his car and join the Gang Green. However, he's not caving and was even dropped by his agency along the way.

If Reddick isn't interested in suiting up for the Jets, maybe the Jaguars should give them a call and take him out of their hands. Although they have bookend pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, they need a No. 3 to round out their rotation. Reddick would be a massive addition.

The past four seasons, the Temple product logged 50.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles. The Jags could certainly use that kind of production.

Greg Newsome, cornerback

The Jaguars will soon be getting Tyson Campbell after activating his 21-day window to return from Injured Reserve. Moreover, Montaric Brown is making strides in his third NFL campaign. That said, their cornerback group could use an upgrade.

Darnell Savage hasn't been great in the slot this season and Jacksonville could use them at safety. The coaching staff could make that move if they had an additional cornerback, someone like Greg Newsome.

Despite showing promise throughout his career, Newsome, a first-round pick in 2021, has failed to secure a long-term spot at cornerback for the Cleveland Browns. That could incentivize teams to inquire about him ahead of the deadline.

In total, the former Northwestern Wildcat has appeared in 46 games with 42 starts. He could be the missing piece that turns the Jaguars' cornerback group into a strength.

More Jaguars analysis here: