The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly looking for reinforcements at defensive line ahead of the trade deadline. They could also use help at wide receiver in light of the Travis Hunter injury update. That said, they shouldn't pass up the chance to bolster their tight end position.
Since losing Brenton Strenge to a quad injury, the Jacksonville passing game has suffered a dip. Sure, Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt have stepped up as blockers, but Trevor Lawrence would most definitely welcome another weapon to his arsenal. That's led an NFL analyst to suggest that the perfect option resides in the AFC South.
The Jaguars are being urged to inquire about Chig Okonkwo
Seth Walder of ESPN believes the Jags should target Chig Okonkwo ahead of the November 4 deadline, noting that the fourth-year veteran could give their offense a boost. Here's the skinny.
"Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo. The one-two punch of Brian Thomas Jr. and Hunter is not hitting the way everyone -- including Jacksonville's front office -- probably imagined in the summer. Another playmaker is in order for the Jaguars, and Okonkwo could be that. He would be a clear step up as a receiver from Hunter Long, with a positive YAC over expectation every season of his career, per NFL Next Gen Stats."
Walder goes on to say that the Titans probably wouldn't mind shopping Okonkwo within the division because he's in a contract season. With Josh Whyle and rookie Gunnar Helm in the fold, Tennessee can most definitely afford to trade Okonkwo.
A third-round pick in the 2023 draft, Okonkwo has appeared in 59 games with 36 starts for the Titans. He's hauled in 165 catches for 1,728 yards with six touchdowns in that span. On top of that, the former Maryland Terrapin is a solid blocker, something the Jags need from their tight ends in Liam Coen's scheme, so he would most definitely be a positive addition at tight end.
Chig Okonkwo would most definitely help the Jaguars
The Jaguars' potential interest in Chig Okonkwo or any other tight end — Michael Meyer and David Njoku could also be available at the trade deadline — could ultimately come down to Brenton Strange's recovery timeline.
Strange got injured in Week 5 and was placed on Injured Reserve not long after. His window to be activated is around the corner, so if he's trending toward returning, it wouldn't make sense for Jacksonville to bring in help at tight end. That said, if the former Penn State Nittany Lion still has a long way to go, Okonkwo would be an ideal option.
It's hard to tell what the Titans would want in exchange for Okonkwo, but it's fair to assume that a Day 3 pick could get a deal done. A sixth-round selection seems like fair compensation for a player who could turn out to be a one-year rental, and the Jags have 13 picks in the 2026 draft, including nine in Rounds 4 through 7, so they most definitely have the ammo to make a push for Okonkwo.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars have several needs to address ahead of the NFL Trade deadline, and nobody would bat an eye if they target Chig Okonkwo (or another tight end).