The Jacksonville Jaguars have encountered a bit of a rough patch in their hot start to the 2025 season, as their 4-1 start has been followed up with two difficult losses against NFC contenders in the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. The trade for Greg Newsome didn't seem to cement this team as a contender.
While Trevor Lawrence and the offense haven't been as effective as they were to begin the season, one must also note that Anthony Campinale's defense has started to show some cracks. Missing linebacker Devin Lloyd is clearly taking its toll, yes, but the secondary and pass rush need some more juice.
Josh Hines-Allen doesn't even have a full sack this year, Travon Walker has dealt with injuries, and the parade of backups has been incredibly ineffective. Campinale clearly needs one more impactful player, which coincides with NFL.com listing the pass rush as the biggest need James Gladstone must address at the NFL trade deadline.
Of the many pass rushers available on the market, one that stands out above the rest is Bradley Chubb of the Miami Dolphins. If Gladstone keeps his foot on the gas pedal, look for him to get Chris Grier on the phone and see if Chubb can be had in any sort of trade acquisition.
Jaguars need to consider Bradley Chubb trade to fix pass rush
In 31 games with the Dolphins, Chubb has tallied 17.5 sacks. Despite missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL, Chubb's four sacks in seven games with Miami illustrate that even in a terrible defense with a lame duc staff and a lack of quality talent around him, Chubb can still get to the quarterback with some regularity.
Chubb is under contract for two more seasons, which means the Jaguars can't get away with just chucking a Day 3 pick back Miami's way for a rental. However, Gladstone's trading has netted the Jags some extra 2026 picks he can use to send Miami's way. In a weak division, the Jaguars may need to pounce on some immediate upgrades.
Gladstone seems to be taking the same approach that his mentor Les Snead used to build the Rams into a consistent winner in the NFC. By sacrificing picks when he seens an immediate impact player under control for the next few years, Gladstone could bring Chubb to Jacksonville and immediately make this pass rush a unit that other teams will need to be scared of.