The Jacksonville Jaguars were fully aware that they weren't going to be aggressive in the first wave of free agency because they didn't have enough cap space to sign external free agents. That said, the dearth of space didn't prevent general manager James Gladstone from making a handful of meaningful moves.
While the Jags couldn't retain running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd, they were able to re-sign cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck. On top of that, Gladstone locked up running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal worth $10 million. Even though Rodriguez isn't a Pro Bowl nod, he and Bhayshul Tuten should soften the blow of Etienne's exit. But wait, there's more!
Because the Jags lost more free agents than the ones they signed, they got three compensatory picks. They will come in handy if Gladstone wants to make a trade in the offseason or at the deadline, but he'll also get the flexibility to move up or down in the NFL Draft. He'll need to take advantage of that flexibility to address Jacksonville's biggest need after the first wave of free agents.
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The Jaguars must make upgrades at the interior D-Line
Had the Jags let Montaric Brown leave in free agency, cornerback might have become one of their top priorities in the draft. However, having him around and pairing him with two-way star Travis Hunter, who's projected to play defense full-time next year, gives Jacksonville stability in the boundaries. Couple that with the presence of Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones in the slot, and the Jags are set at the position.
Sure, James Gladstone could add depth at corner in the late rounds, but he is better off bolstering the interior defensive trenches. Texas Tech's Lee Hunter has been mocked to Jacksonville several times, but the front office would surely love to see Georgia's Christen Miller or Clemson's Peter Woods slide to the second round.
Of course, Jacksonville will still have options in Round 3, but the front office won't have nearly as many enticing options. That's why it would make sense to make upgrades at defensive tackle as early as possible. Heck, the Jaguars should consider giving the Philadelphia Eagles a call and see what it takes to acquire Jalen Carter.
Carter would give the Jaguars a playmaker next to Arik Armstead, who's expected to stay in 2026. Trading him may not be cheap, but it would take care of Jacksonville's top need. Then again, defensive tackle is far from the team's only priority.
Aside from the interior trenches, the Jags need to add reinforcements at linebacker, the pass rush, and safety. If the Jags can address any of those positions in the draft, their defense will be in a great position to pick up where it left off last year.
The Jaguars already had a well-rounded offense in 2025. If they manage to infuse the defense with game-altering talent and depth, they'll be hard to beat next season.