The Jacksonville Jaguars revamped several position groups in the offseason. Safety wasn't the exception. Aside from signing Eric Murray in free agency, they invested a draft pick on Caleb Ransaw. But despite the additions, the Jags were snubbed on a recent list.
Zoltan Buday ranked the top 32 safeties in the NFL, and no Jaguars player made the cut. This doesn't come as a surprise when you consider that Murray is a dependable starter but far from a playmaker. In his 10-year career, he's only logged three interceptions. Darnell Savage, a 2024 free-agent acquisition, will probably start next to him next season.
Savage was a first-round pick in 2019. Like Murray, he's been solid but far from a Pro Bowl-caliber player. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking to see either one lose their job to either Ransaw or third-year pro Antonio Johnson.
A fifth-round pick in 2023, Johnson was listed as a safety but mostly lined up in the slot as a rookie. He made the most of his playing time and finished his first NFL season with three interceptions. The former Texas A&M Aggie switched back to safety last year but was underwhelming. He was eventually phased out in favor of Savage.
There's a new regime in place, though, and Johnson should get a clean slate. Ransaw should also get a chance to compete for a roster spot. A third-round pick in this year's draft, the Harvest, Alabama native played cornerback in college, but the team's brass believes he has the skill set to play safety in the pros.
Either Johnson or Ransaw could join the starting lineup at the midpoint of the season. Both of them have intriguing talent, but at this moment, the Jags don't have what you would call a tune-setter at safety.
Andrew Wingard and Daniel Thomas Jr. are also in the mix. But both of them are better suited for reserve roles and mostly contribute on special teams.
The Jaguars may need to prioritize the safety position in 2026
Pro Football Focus has been posting top-32 lists for all positions, and they had someone represent them in all of them until the safeties ranking came out. That could be a sign that they will need to address the position next year, but for the time being, it looks like they're comfortable with their current group.
Murray should be able to hold the fort for at least one season. Meanwhile, Savage, Wingard, and Thomas are entering contract years. The Jaguars' brass surely wants to see who's a fit and who should get the boot next year. And depending on how things go in 2025, they'll decide how much of a priority safety will be next season.
The bottom line is that safety probably won't be a strength for the Jaguars in 2025 unless Antonio Johnson or Caleb Ransaw step up. And if neither stands out, the position could undergo a significant makeover next year.