Jaguars voice suggests dark horse will seize starting job next to Eric Murray

Safety wasn't as pressing a need for the Jacksonville Jaguars as either cornerback or the offensive line, but it still needed upgrades. The front office made a handful of additions in the offseason, but the position is in flux and remains a question mark ahead of training camp. That's led a local analyst to suggest a dark horse will seize the starting spot next to Eric Murray.

Tom McManus of 1010 XL argues that Andrew Wingard will start at one safety spot, pointing out that he's had a strong offseason and knows the offense.

"My one concern is safety, although I said it a few weeks ago, Graham, I think Wingard is going to win the job. I think he's going to be one of the starting safeties just because he knows the defense," McManus said when discussing the state of the safety position. "He's been making plays. He's around the ball. He's got good instincts."

McManus continued, "He's not the biggest, he's not the fastest, he's not the strongest, doesn't hit the hardest, and he doesn't have the best, the greatest hands, but he's always around the football, and he seems to be making plays and until that young kid, Ransaw can make the jump, I think he's going to be our starting safety with Eric Murray next to him."

Later in his exchange, McManus suggests that third-year pro Antonio Johnson has also been making strides.

"Now, I do think Antonio Johnson, something's clicked in him. I think he looks like he's ready to make a mark. It'll all come down to how he performs on that practice field. Sounds like they're going to be very, very physical in camp, which I love to hear," McManus said.

Wingard, an undrafted free agent in 2019, made the initial 53-man roster as a rookie. He worked his way up the depth chart and progressively saw an uptick in playing time. By 2021, the former Wyoming Cowboy had joined the starting lineup. However, he was phased out in favor of Andrew Cisco the following year.

Although Wingard is better suited for a reserve role, he will get a legitimate chance to earn a starting job. On the other hand, Johnson will probably get ample consideration. Not long ago, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile praised him. Moreover, John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that the third-year safety was a standout on Day 2 of minicamp.

A fifth-round pick in 2023, Johnson mostly played in the slot as a rookie and showed promise, logging two interceptions, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He moved to safety, his natural position, and was expected to make strides. However, the former Texas A&M Aggie regressed and was benched. Like Wingard, though, he will be given a shot to earn a starting job in 2025.

Below's McManus' full conversation. His remarks about the safety position start at the 10:46 mark.

Antonio Johnson and Andrew Wingard give the Jaguars a pair of intriguing options next to Eric Murray

Eric Murray will get a starting spot by virtue of signing a three-year deal worth $22.5 million in free agency. Whether he keeps his job in 2025 will be the subject of debate, but there's no doubt that he'll be on the starting lineup come Week 1. The question is who'll be next to him.

The Jacksonville Jaguars love Caleb Ransaw, who's making the switch from cornerback to safety. He could start at some point in 2025, but he'll first need to make the transition. For the time being, either Wingard or Johnson could start.

Of the two, Johnson may have the biggest upside. If he ends up winning the job and thrives, it will be hard for the coaching staff to bench him, so he could end up seizing the spot for at least 2025. Having said that, this isn't Wingard's first rodeo and shouldn't be ruled out.

The bottom line is that the safety position is a work in progress for the Jaguars, but they certainly have a few intriguing options in place.

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