The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't waste time starting their search for a new head coach after firing Doug Pederson. They announced that they requested interviews with eight different candidates and added a couple names in the following days. One of them was Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
One thing that separates Flores from many of the other candidates is that he has coaching experience, having led the Miami Dolphins from 2019-2021. Unfortunately, his stint with the Phins didn't end well. His relationship with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa progressively soured to the point of no return, and according to former NFL player Ryan Fitzpatrick, he became a dictator towards the end of his tenure.
On the other hand, Flores has acknowledged that he's made mistakes throughout his coaching career and is striving to get better. Moreover, he's rebuilt his stock after a couple seasons in Minneapolis. With him at the helm, the Vikes have been pretty good on defense the past two years. Heck, they were fifth in points allowed in 2024.
For the sake of the argument, let's say Flores makes a strong impression on the Jaguars' brass and becomes their next head coach. He could bring in any of the following pending free agents with him.
Dalton Risner, offensive guard
The Jaguars will have to address the right guard spot in 2025. Veteran Brandon Scherff is 33 and slated to become a free agent. The front office could try to bring him at a discount price and look for his eventual replacement in the draft. Another alternative would be to sign Dalton Risner in free agency.
A first-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019, Risner didn't have a big market when he became a free agent in 2023. After waiting several months, he eventually signed with the Vikings, where he made Ezra Cleveland expendable. The Kansas State Wildcat re-signed in 2024 and has played a total of 25 games in Minnesota.
Risner isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber guard but is younger than Scherff and can play on both guard spots. Moreover, signing him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. The Jags could lock him up, use a draft pick on the position, and have them compete for the starting job. This would in turn give the team depth on the interior offensive line.
Daniel Jones, quarterback
Backup quarterback Mac Jones is slated to become a free agent, and the Jaguars may need to find his replacement in the offseason. Daniel Jones could be a viable option.
Jones was the starting quarterback for the New York Giants before they benched him and later released him last year. He went on to join the Vikings' practice squad to work on his craft. It's hard to tell just how much he improved during his time in Minnesota, but Brian Flores has first-hand knowledge of him after going against him in practice.
Jones could eventually get another shot at a starting job but is probably a backup at this stage of his career. He would be an appealing option if the Jags don't re-sign Mac Jones.
Jihad Ward, edge rusher
They already have a pair of dominant pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh-Hines Allen but will need a No. 3 in light of the news that Arik Armstead is switching back to the interior defensive line. Why not go with a familiar face? For instance, someone like Jihad Ward, who played for the Jags in 2021.
During his lone season in Jacksonville, Ward posted two sacks and 17 total pressures. The former Illinois Fighting Illini went on to play two seasons for the New York Giants and landed with the Vikings last year. In that span, he's logged nine sacks.
Ward's numbers won't pop off the stat sheet, but he would be a solid No. 3 behind Hines-Allen and Walker.
Cam Bynum, safety
If the Jaguars have seen enough of Andre Cisco and are ready to let him walk, Camryn Bynum would be an intriguing replacement.
Bynum isn't a ballhawk in the mold of Cisco but was arguably more consistent in 2024, registering three interceptions and 10 passes defensed. The only downside of signing him is that he's coming off a career year and may look for top-market compensation.
Byron Murphy II, cornerback
The Jaguars need to find a starting cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell, and signing Byron Murphy II would take care of that. A second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Murphy didn't really hit his stride until he joined the Vikes in 2023. The past two seasons, he's tallied a combined nine interceptions and 27 passes defensed.
The Jaguars could certainly use that kind of production. Would it be expensive? You bet, but it would be worth it. It would also allow the Jaguars to use their first-round pick to address another need.