The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the least active teams in free agency, but that was by design. They let several key players walk, but that's because they had their replacements ready to step up. Moreover, the Jags believe that having the same coaching staff will allow the team to take the next step. On defense, in particular, Anthony Campanile has enough talent to turn his unit into one of the best in the NFL.
In just his first season at the helm, Campanille took the Jacksonville defense from near the bottom to the top 10. Although he had a few head-coaching opportunities, he chose to return to the Jags. With him back in the fold, they should be even better next year.
That said, the Jaguars defense is far from perfect, and there are a few things that could derail their 2026 season.
This Jaguars nightmare scenario would bring their playoff hopes to an end
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report drew up a list of worst-case scenarios for each NFL defense. Regarding the Jaguars, he thinks they would face a nightmare if the run defense regresses and the pass rush doesn't improve. Here's the skinny.
"The worst-case scenario for the Jaguars defense is a regression against the run and a lack of improvement against the pass," Davenport wrote. "For the departure of Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd to punch a hole in the run defense. For Hunter to struggle on the back end. For Walker to have another down season getting after the quarterback."
For context, Jacksonville ranked first in the league against the run but struggled to get after the quarterback, registering just 32 sacks (good for 27th in the league). Their inability to get after their quarterback was especially evident in the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. They couldn't bring down Josh Allen, and he had ample time to tear the Jacksonville secondary apart.
On the bright side, Davenport argues that the Jags could be a legitimate contender if the defense plays up to its talent.
"If the Jacksonville defense plays well, the Jaguars have the talent to be a Super Bowl contender. If they falter, last year's 13-4 campaign could look like a one-off."
Circling back to Davenport's original remarks, Travon Walker posted a combined 20.5 sacks before an injury-marred 2025 campaign. He should have no trouble crossing the 10-sack mark if he stays healthy next season. On the other hand, Travis Hunter should also be at full strength after suffering an LCL injury that brougth his rookie year to an abrupt end. He'll tentatively play cornerback full-time next season. That will allow him to put it all together.
Lastly, the Jaguars let Devin Lloyd walk because they believe Ventrell Miller can replace him. Sophomore Brenson Combs also stood out in the offseason program and could push Miller in training camp. Either way, Jacksonville doesn't think there will be much of a drop-off at the linebacker spot next to Foyesade Oluokun.
Only the pass rush is a true concerns for the Jaguars defense
With DaVon Hamilton (the soul of the defense) and Arik Armstead still on the team, the Jags should have no trouble stuffing the run. Sure, they may not be able to finish first for the second year in a row, but don't expect Jacksonville to regress in that area as long as Anthony Campanile is around. That leaves the pass rush as the one true concern that could derail the season.
The Jaguars have a top duo of pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but they lack a true No. 3 to round out their rotation. Instead of bringing in a proven veteran, they're counting on Danny Striggow, Zach Durfee, Wesley Williams, and B.J. Green II to compete for the job. The expectation is that one of them will separate himself from the bunch.
On the other hand, Jacksonville needs to do a better job of bringing the heat from the interior. Arik Armstead got off to a strong start in 2025 but slowed down after suffering a hand injury. He'll need to stay healthy, and Ruke Orhorhoro will need to provide a spark after landing in Jacksonville via trade last year.
If the Jaguars can improve their pass rush, the defense will make strides next season. If they don't, they're at risk of being one-and-done in the playoffs for the second year in a row.
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