The Jacksonville Jaguars could add reinforcements at defensive tackle ahead of the November 10 deadline. While DeForest Buckner is no longer an option after the Indianapolis Colts sent him to the San Francisco 49ers, the Jags will still have ample options to bolster the position.
Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo would probably be the most obvious choice because the Philadelphia Eagles showed that they're open to trading him when they dealt center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens. However, an NFL insider believes Jacksonville would be a fit for veteran Daron Payne.
The Jaguars could be a trade destination for Daron Payne
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN ranked the top trade candidates ahead of the deadline and included Daron Payne, arguing that the Washington Commanders have a history of dealing pivotal defensive pieces with expiring contracts. Here's the skinny.
"Washington dealt key defensive pieces at the deadline three years ago and could be faced with a similar predicament this time with Payne, who's 29 and still has value," Fowler wrote. "Payne is a 2027 free agent with a $16.4 million base this year. But the NFC East is winnable despite Washington's 1-4-1 record, so that could be a point in favor of the Commanders keeping him."
Folwer continued, "Jacksonville is a potential fit, with some in the league noting that the Jaguars could use a versatile interior player with pass-rush ability and have looked for that since the offseason."
For context, Washington traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the 2023 deadline. Circling back to Payne, the Jags could most definitely use help on the interior defensive line.
Arik Armstead has been fine but far from great, while DaVon Hamilton will continue to excel against the run but won't offer much pass-rush juice. On the other hand, rookie Albert Regis has been a non-factor, and Ruke Orhorhoro has failed to make an impact after landing in Duval via trade in the offseason. This is where Payne comes in.
Payne would immediately be the best defensive tackle on the team if Jacksonville traded for him. He hasn't crossed the 10-sack mark since 2022 but does a great job of causing disruption at the line of scrimmage, racking up 12 sacks the past four seasons.
This begs the question, how much would the Jags have to fork out to get him? They would have to take on his remaining salary of $8 million. Regarding compensation, the Commanders may not get much more than a fourth-round selection for him.
The Colts just traded DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in return for a fourth-round selection. Payne is younger but less productive this season, so the Jags could acquire him for a similar price.
Why the Jaguars could trade for Daron Payne (or not)
If the Jaguars wanted to trade for a defensive tackle, Moro Ojomo would make more sense because he's younger and is still on his rookie deal, so the cap hit would be lower. That said, Daron Payne isn't necessarily a bad alternative, just the lesser of the two.
Either way, Jacksonville could most definitely use help at defensive tackle. And if general manager James Gladstone sets his eyes on Payne, maybe he can use wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as a trade chip if he's willing to move him.
On the other hand, the Jags may want a high draft pick, so they may choose to give up some of their Day 3 picks instead of Thomas.
Ultimately, the Jaguars have options if they want to make trades at the deadline. Couple that with the fact that James Gladstone likes to take swings, and trading for Daron Payne or any other defensive tackle may be a realistic possibility.
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