The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to part ways with Doug Pederson after the season ends. If they pull the trigger, the biggest question will then become who will be his replacement. There will be several intriguing candidates in the next hiring cycle, but without a doubt, Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the best of the Johnson. Based on the latest rumor, Jags fans should feel good about their team chances of landing him.
NFL talking head Chad Forbes says that Johnson to Jacksonville is the worst-kept secret in the NFL, pointing out that it's a done deal, and he'll pick a Lions executive to be the Jaguars' next general manager.
Ben Johnson to Jaguars is the worst kept secret in the NFL. It’s a done deal. It’ll be one of the Lions Executives or Ben’s pick for GM.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) December 31, 2024
7-$80M https://t.co/SObRlyjRRp
Forbes' comment was in response to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, who argues that Johnson would get the most out of Lawrence but only if the Jags dismiss general manager Trent Baalke.
Just recently, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated opined that Jacksonville would be an appealing landing spot for Johnson, noting that the Lions offensive coordinator is also interested in the Chicago Bears opening but has many things to sort out. Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado also believes the Jags would allow him to implement his vision.
I talked about that yesterday on the insider segment before the Broncos game on @KOAColorado
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) December 29, 2024
I think that the situation there will allow him a little bit more carte blanche to implement his vision.
I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s a “preference” yet. I wouldn’t necessarily… https://t.co/QpPrRyvSDs
Having said that, it's important to take into account that Shad Khan will reportedly wait until the Jaguars have an opening to start interviewing candidates. In fact, what Forbes says goes against a recent recent by Johnathan Jones of CBS Sports. This begs the question, are the Jags interested in Johson? Probably, but there's a good chance they have not done due diligence and properly vetted him.
Moreover, Jacksonville will probably run an extensive search and leave no stone unturned before they come up with a decision. Still, Khan should feel good about his chances of landing his preferred candidate.
Jaguars fans should feel optimisic about Ben Johnson landing in Jacksonville
The issue with saying that Ben Johnson is guaranteed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars is that it truly isn't until both sides put their signature on a binding contract. Heck, the Jags thought they had locked up kicker Wil Lutz in free agency but he reneged at the last minute before ultimately returning to the Denver Broncos. Sure, it's a different situation, but the principle is the same.
You can say that also say that both the Jags and Johnson have mutual interest, but it's not a given that they'll end up together. Another team could swoop in and make him an offer he cannot refuse... like the Tennessee Titans did with wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
The Jags wanted to re-sign Ridley and he wanted to return but Tennessee suddenly showed up and outbid their division foes. Something similar could happen with Johnson. On the other hand, they have all the things they need to lure him and ensure he doesn't pick another opening: A young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, several cornerstone players under contract, and the resources to address whatever needs the team has.
This is to say that the Jaguars must spare no expense if they want to make sure no other team will outbid them in the Ben Johnson sweepstakes. Sure, the interest is there but that alone won't be enough to get a deal done.