The Jacksonville Jaguars have to address several needs this offseason. Cornerback, the pass rush, and defensive tackle probably sit at the top of the list. The team's brass could also beef up the offensive line, but it is by no means a top priority.
For that reason, it was baffling to see an NFL analyst call the Jags' offensive line a glaring weakness and make an even worse suggestion to fortify it.
The Jaguars are being urged to sign Greg Van Roten in free agency
Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus drew up a list of every NFL team's biggest need and how they should address it. For the Jaguars, he suggests they sign Greg Van Roten, arguing that the interior offensive line is their biggest weakness, and he could add flexibility to the group. Here's the skinny.
"Right guard Patrick Mekari (52.9 PFF pass-blocking grade) and center Robert Hainsey (55.8 PFF pass-blocking grade) struggled to hold up in protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence," Smith wrote. "Greg Van Roten, 35, is not the flashiest free-agent signing, but he won't break the bank and is coming off a year with the Giants in which he ranked 20th out of 77 qualifying guards with a 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade."
An undrafted free agent in 2022, Van Roten began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. He previously spent time with the Jags in 2017 and has also played for the Seattle Seahawks, the Carolina Panthers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and, more recently, the New York Giants.
Van Roten has appeared in 144 games with 105 starts throughout his career, so there's no doubt he would add experience to the Jacksonville offensive line. The Pennsilvania product signed a $3.75 million deal with the G-Men last year and has a projected value of $5.1 million for 2026 ahead of free agency.
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Why the Jaguars don't need Greg Van Roten in free agency
While it's true that Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey were far from great (the former most definitely left a bit to be desired last year), the interior offensive line isn't the Jaguars' biggest weakness this offseason.
Both Mekari and Hainsey signed with the Jags last year, so the expectation is that they will improve in their second season. That said, the offensive trenches could indeed use upgrades. The issue is that Jacksonville probably won't bring in reinforcements via free agency, or at least it won't go after big names.
Signing Greg Van Roten at the price tag Spotrac suggests wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. The problem is that the Jaguars are currently dealing with a cap crunch, even after the NFL's announced increase, and will surely prioritize other needs once they get out of the red.
If the Jags do beef up the offensive line, they'll most likely do it in the draft. They have three picks in Round 3, so they could surely add a big and possibly another on Day 3 of the draft. But even if the team's brass steers clear, they have sophomore Wyatt Milum and Jonah Monheim in the mix. Both of the could complete for playing time in the offseason and even replace Mekari or Hainsey if either one struggles.
Greg Van Roten could be a short-term fix for teams in need of O-Line help. Heck, he could even help the Jaguars. However, they might roll with younger and cheaper alternatives to beef up the interior trenches.