Jaguars urged to sign Jets standout CB in free agency to pair up with Tyson Campbell

The Jacksonville Jaguars gave cornerback Tyson Campbell a four-year contract worth $76.5 million in free agency because they believe he's a cornerstone of their defense. So far, it's been money well spent. Although the former Georgia Bulldog missed time with injury this season, he's been one of their few bright spots in the secondary. On the other hand, they need someone to line up on the opposite side of the field, and Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has an intriguing suggestion.

Ballentine drew up a list of needs for every AFC team ahead of Week 12 and thinks Jacksonville should go after D.J. Reed in free agency, arguing that they need an upgrade opposite Campbell and he's been a dependable corner in his last two spots.

"The Jaguars turned to free agency to find a starter opposite Tyson Campbell last offseason. Ronald Darby was brought on after a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens. The signing hasn't really worked out as planned, with Darby giving up a 121.5 passer rating when targeted.

Going back to the drawing board might mean making a run at D.J. Reed. The 28-year-old has been a consistently good starter for the Seahawks and Jets since the 2020 season. He's a bit undersized for an outside corner, but his competitiveness and physicality still find a way."

A fifth-round pick in 2018, Reed spent his first two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He bolted for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 and signed with the Jets in 2022. The former Kansas State Wildcat has given New York a stout cornerback tandem opposite Sauce Gardner, and he could do the same alongside Campbell in Jacksonville.

Reed said earlier this year that the ball is on the Jets' court but he's open to testing free agency. If that's what ends up happening, he'll probably be a hot commodity. His interception numbers aren't going to pop off the stat sheet (he's only had six throughout his career), but he'll give his team a lockdown corner that will secure one side of the field.

This season, the Bakersfield, California native is giving up a completion rate of 47.9 percent and 12.2 yards per reception. The Jaguars would surely like to have that kind of production from their non-Tyson Campbell corners.

Why D.J. Reed would be an enticing fit with the Jaguars in free agency

The Jaguars released Darious Williams in a cap saving move earlier this year despite the fact that he was a highly productive player. Looking back, they surely regret letting him walk, as his replacement, Ronald Darby has left much to be desired.

Granted, Darby was cheaper than Williams but he's struggled in coverage throughout the year, giving up a 73.3 percent completion rate and over 13 yards per reception. Simply put, Jacksonville needs and upgrade at the position and Reed could provide it. Then again, the team's brass may not be able to make a splash signing in free agency.

After all, the Jags already allocated a considerable amount of space to Josh Hines-Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Tyson Campbell this past offseason. It's uncertain if they'll have the cap room to pursue a potential free agent of Reed's caliber next year. Moreover, it's not a given that the New York Jets will allow him to hit the open market.

There's plenty of time between now and March, and many things could happen. Reed getting a new deal from New York is one of them. It's also worth noting that the Jaguars could bolster their cornerback room in the draft. They currently have picks No. 1 and No. 33 and could either trade down in the first round or address the position in the second. Either way, they'll have options.

The bottom line is that D.J. Reed is an intriguing option in free agency but the Jags will need to decide whether they want to spend a robust amount of space at cornerback after paying Tyson Campbell in the offseason.

More Jaguars analysis here: