Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars were left reeling after a humiliating loss to the Houston Texans in Week 10. Technically, it isn't time to panic yet; the Jags are still in playoff contention, and if the Indianapolis Colts continue to struggle the way they have over the past two weeks, they could even win the AFC South.
However, those are both pretty big ifs, considering the way the Jaguars have been playing lately. There isn't much to be excited about, with numerous issues plaguing the roster. There are problems on the offense, problems on the defense, problems with depth... to put it plainly, the Jaguars look like they're in big trouble.
It's still too early to completely give up on the 2025 season, but at this point, the Jaguars should be starting to plan on how they're going to address these issues. And many of the answers lie in the upcoming free agency period.
Which 2026 free agents should the Jaguars have on their radar now?
It is early to consider free agents to target in 2026, but it would be smart for the Jacksonville front office staff to begin scoping out who could help solve some of the problems they have on their roster. And let's be honest: the Jaguars have a lot of problems.
With this in mind, here are some upcoming free agents James Gladstone & Co. should keep their eye on.
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens
There were multiple exciting offensive line prospects set to become free agents in 2026, but their teams wisely made sure to extend their contracts. The same cannot be said for the Ravens and Tyler Linderbaum.
Linderbaum is a two-time Pro Bowler, but the Ravens declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract for financial reasons. While Robert Hainsey is decent enough, Linderbaum is significantly better. And with the offensive line struggling as much as it has been, the Jaguars need someone like Linderbaum.
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Another player the Jaguars should be considering is Andrews, as tight end is another position where depth is a problem. And Andrews is an excellent tight end. He's experienced, consistent, and reliable, which are all things the Jaguars need right now.
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Pierce is getting better with each successive season, especially well-known for his ability to be a deep threat. The Colts would be insane to let him walk, but they've let other great free agents go before, and Jacksonville could use more reliable receivers.
And the Colts' seeming indifference towards Pierce is getting noticed. He will be an in-demand free agent, if and when the time comes, and the Jaguars must be ready to pounce if he does end up available.
The biggest mistake the Colts will make is continuing to wait on extending Alec Pierce… that contract is only getting bigger and bigger.pic.twitter.com/7w7IZzzquQ
— Zach Vogt (@ZachVogt30) November 9, 2025
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Trey Hendrickson, the star edge rusher everyone has been talking about, is still with Cincinnati, despite openly saying he wanted to be traded earlier this year. It seems highly unlikely that he and the Bengals will come to an agreement before he hits free agency next year.
Hendrickson is better than any edge rusher the Jaguars have, so he would be worth the price tag, and the defensive line seriously needs help. James Gladstone shouldn't let him slip away, though he'll almost certainly have to fight off countless other teams to get him.
Reed Blankenship, S, Philadelphia Eagles
The Jaguars need serious depth at safety, and the Eagles only extended Blankenship's contract for one year, meaning he'll be a free agent in 2026. Blankenship has struggled this season so far, but that is also true for the entire Eagles' secondary, and he was excellent in his previous years.
Blankenship could be a good option for the Jaguars to keep an eye on. If he continues to have a less-than-stellar year, it could mean the Jaguars get him for cheap, and worst-case scenario, he would provide decent depth and leadership on the defense. Either way, it's a win-win.