The Jacksonville Jaguars deserve praise for facing the hard truth. While they have several building blocks in place, they must also address several needs before they can turn into a true contender. Not surprisingly, they moved on from several players — including long-time staples Evan Engram and Christian Kirk — to free up cap space and roster spots ahead of free agency. Now, the challenging part starts.
The new regime will be tasked with finding better players than the ones they released while bolstering several position groups. Fortunately for the Jags, they have the assets to pull it off. Aside from having 10 draft picks at their disposal, they'll have over $60 million for the start of free agency. That will be more than enough to make a few a few splash singings.
Sure, Jacksonville won't be able to take care of all the needs in free agency. That's what the draft is for. That said, the roster will get a massive boost if the Jaguars can lock up any of the following players in the open market.
Jevon Holland, safety
A second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2021, Holland has registered five interceptions and five forced fumbles in 60 career games with 57 starts. He isn't flashy but is equally adept at stopping the run and dropping in coverage.
Sure, Cam Bynum or Tre'von Moerigh would also make sense, but Holland has the edge because he worked with Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile from 2021-2023. Campanile wasn't his position coach — he coached the linebackers — but his familiarity could convince the former Oregon Duck to join the Jags.
Mekhi Becton, offensive guard
Players' readiness is always variable coming off the college level. Even if you're a first-round pick, you may need time or the right place to hit your stride. That happened to Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Mekhi Becton.
A first-round pick by the New York Jets in 2020, Mekhi dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout his career that prevented him from hitting his stride. After four underwhelming seasons, the Gang Green gave up on him.
But as underwhelming as he had been, the Eagles took a chance on Becton and signed him to a one-year deal last offseason. In Philly, he was asked to switch to guard. The move paid off big time, as the former Louisville Cardinal went on to have a banner season. Now, he's set to cash in in free agency.
Becton played right guard for Philadelphia last year. That's where the Jaguars could use help. Brandon Scherff is slated to hit the open market, and it doesn't look like he'll return. Becton could come in and fill the void right off the bat.
Amari Cooper, wide receiver
Amari Cooper has been a dependable receiver throughout his career. Whether it was with the Oakland Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns, or the Buffalo Bills, he's always come through. His seven 1,000-yard seasons are proof of it.
Maybe Cooper doesn't get nearly as much recognition because he's not nearly as flamboyant as other receivers. Either way, he could help the Jaguars. Granted, the Alabama product is coming off a down season, but he's 30 and still has plenty of gas left. Jacksonville moved on from Christian Kirk, but Parker Washington could take his place in the slot.
Where the Jags really could use help is opposite Brian Thomas Jr. In Duval, Cooper wouldn't be asked to be WR1 but rather prevent opposing defensives from zeroing in on Thomas. He would fill the role seamlessly.
Byron Murphy, cornerback
Without a doubt, cornerback is the biggest need the Jaguars must address in free agency. Sure, you could argue that the offensive line is a bigger priority but the truth is that they could wait until the draft to check off that box.
Circling back to this year's free-agent cornerback class, it will be stacked. The Jaguars could pick nearly everyone and would leave with a quality starter. That said, they should go after Byron Murphy, who's been a staple of the Minnesota Vikings secondary the past two years.
The past two seasons, Murphy has logged nine interceptions and 27 passes defensed. Granted, he's given 10 touchdowns in the same span, but his big plays make up for the ones he surrenders. Either way, he could give the Jaguars the lockdown corner they sorely need opposite Tyson Campbell.
Drew Dalman, center
Mitch Morse's retirement creates an immediate need at center. Surely, the Jaguars weren't caught by surprise, so they've probably been cooking a replacement plan. If they want to quickly fill the void and focus on bolstering other position groups, they should target Drew Dalman in free agency.
Dalman will be the best center in free agency. While he still has room for improvement as a pass-blocker, he excels at opening lanes in the running game. That's where the Jags need help. Although it won't come cheap, Dalman would bring the stability at center the team has lacked since Brandon Linder retired in 2022.