The Jacksonville Jaguars did a good job of addressing the larger scale roster last year. However, they'll need to make upgrades at a handful of position groups if they want to return to the playoffs in 2026. The good news is that the cupboard isn't bare, so the front office will be able to address specific needs in free agency.
The bad news is that Jacksonville will be operating with a tight budget, so they won't be able to bring back all their pending free agents nor make a splash signing. For that reason, it was a bit odd that an NFL analyst suggested the Jags add reinforcements at safety despite the fact that they have bigger holes at other positions.
The Jaguars are being urged to lock up Jalen Thompson in free agency
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus drew up a list of one free agent every NFL team should sign in free agency and chose Jalen Thompson for the Jaguars, noting that they have the perfect opportunity to fortify the safety room, with Andrew Wingard scheduled to hit the open market.
"The Jaguars should retain the bulk of the roster from their impressive 2025 campaign, with Lloyd as the elephant in the room," Locker wrote. "At the same time, Jacksonville could stand to better its safety room with Andrew Wingard a free agent."
Locker continued, "Thompson has been a steady presence in the Cardinals' secondary, earning at least a 64.3 overall PFF grade in each of his seven career seasons. He brings positional versatility by logging 1,160 or more snaps at free safety, in the box, or in the slot. Further, Thompson would also fi defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's zone-oriented scheme well, as his 73.5 PFF coverage grade on Cover 3, Quarters, or Cover 6 is the ninth-best among qualified safeties since 2024."
A fifth-round pick in the 2019 Supplemental Draft, Thompson has appeared in 99 games with 87 starts for the Arizona Cardinals, registering nine interceptions, 37 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. The former Washington State Cougar isn't a ball-hawk but has superb coverage skills and the versatility to line up anywhere across the field. That kind of flexibility could most definitely come in handy in Anthony Campanile's scheme.
Thompson is fifth in the PFF's rankings of the top safeties ahead of free agency, so he could certainly help a handful of teams in need of help in their defensive backfield. However, he could be an unnecessary luxury the Jaguars may not be able to afford.
As Locker noted, Dewey is scheduled to test free agency after signing a three-year deal worth $9 million. He's a prominent locker room voice who has carved a niche on special needs, so losing him would sting. Having said that, Jacksonville may already have an in-house replacement ready to roll in case he leaves.
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The Jaguars don't need to sign Jalen Thompson to replace Andrew Wingard
Back in 2022, the Cardinals gave a three-year extension worth $36 million. Now, Spotrac is giving him a market value of $9.6 million per year ahead of free agency. All things considered, that's an affordable average of safety. The issue is that the Jaguars aren't in need of upgrades at the position, even if Andrew Wingard leaves.
Caleb Ransaw showed promise in training camp last year before a leg injury ended his rookie campaign before it began. Rayuan Lane also flashed in limited playing time. And if that wasn't enough, Antonio Johnson bounced back after an underwhelming 2024. He should start next to Eric Murray next season. But even if Jacksonville wanted Thompson, it probably wouldn't be able to afford him.
The Jags are currently $21 million over the cap, and even if they free up space, cornerback, the pass rush, and defensive tackle are bigger needs than safety right now. Simply put, it's hard to see the team's brass making a push for Thompson in free agency.
Make no mistake, Jalen Thompson is a talented player, one who deserves to get paid in free agency. However, the Jaguars might not be among the teams that will make a push for him.