Jaguars face a roadblock to lock up suggested replacement for Christian Kirk

The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a massive blow when they lost wide receiver Christian Kirk to a collarbone fracture for the remainder of the season. Although they have a more than capable replacement in sophomore Parker Washington, it wouldn't hurt to add depth at the position. In fact, Alex Ballentine recently made a suggestion.

Ballentine drew up a list of needs for all AFC teams after Week 8, Given that the Jags are in need of wide receiver help after Kirk's injury, he suggested they go after Chase Claypool, pointing out that the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish could provide immediate help despite demonstrating character issues throughout his career.

"With all of the wide receiver injuries the Jaguars had to deal with on Sunday, it would be a good idea to go to the free agent pool to find one. The Jags are not in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline, but Trevor Lawrence needs to have weapons to at least bring some positive to this season."

Before Kirk suffered the injury while diving for a pass in Week 8, he was reportedly garnering interest from other teams ahead of the deadline. Now in Injured Reserve, he'll stay in Jacksonville for the remainder of the season. That said, his future beyond 2024 is in doubt. The former Texas A&M Aggie has one year left on the contract he signed in 2022. However, he could be a cap casualty.

Circling back to Ballentine's suggestion, Claypool spent the offseason with the Buffalo Bills but suffered a toe injury in training camp and landed on IR. He was eventually released with an injury settlement, effectively becoming a free agent. He's remained unsigned since then. Maybe he's not fully healthy, or maybe previous character concerns have stopped teams from kicking the tires on him.

Regardless of the reasons, the Jaguars lose nothing by doing due dilligence on Claypool. He certainly left a positive impression in Buffalo. Head coach Sean McDermott says that he would be open to bringing the British Columbia native back in the fold but it would ultimately be up to general manager Brandon Beane.

A second-round pick in 2020, Claypool got off to a strong start to his NFL career, hauling in 121 catches for 1,173 yards with 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons. However, it was all downhill from there. He was traded to the Chicago Bears at the midpoint of 2022 and once again changed teams last year when he was sent packing to the Miami Dolphins.

The past two years, while playing for three different clubs, Claypool caught 54 receptions for 528 receptions with two touchdowns, a stark contrast.

The Jaguars could offer Chase Claypool a fresh start and a chance to boost his stock

Leaving aside his past character concerns, Chase Claypool's biggest concern is his health. Is he back at full strength? If so, the Jaguars should strongly consider adding him. He would have a chance to prove he's 100 percent and audition for any potential suitors for 2025.

But if Claypool isn't healthy, the Jags don't have many options. Maybe they could sign Elijah Cooks or undrafted rookie Joshua Cephus from their practice squad to add depth to their wide receiver corps. That said, neither player is as talented or as experienced as Claypool.

The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars are quickly losing control of the season and need all the help they can get to hold on to it. Chase Claypool may be able to assist.

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