The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to survive a close game against the Indianapolis Colts, prevailing 23-20. Although Indy tried to make a comeback, cornerback Jarrian Jones didn't allow it, picking up Philip Rivers on a play that ended up shifting the momentum in the Jags' favor.
But as impressive as Jones was, he wasn't the only cornerback who came through for Jacksonville in this divisional matchup. Montaric Brown wasn't nearly as flashy but was equally important in the win over the rival Indianapolis.
Montaric Brown made plays for the Jaguars in the win vs. the Colts
Montaric Brown registered a team-best three passes defensed and gave up just two completions for 10 yards on eight targets. If that wasn't enough, his Pro Football Focus overall grade of 88.3 was the highest among Jaguars defenders in Week 17. Simply put, the former Arkansas Razorback did everything he needed to help Jacksonville win.
A seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, Brown missed the first two bouts of the season but has already tallied a personal-best 12 pass deflections and two interceptions. He's slated to become a free agent in 2026 and will most definitely garner interest from other clubs if he hits the open market.
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Montaric Brown gives the Jaguars a tough decision in free agency
Less than two months after the Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers at the November 1 deadline, they gave him a three-year, $60 million extension, proving that they're willing to reward their core players. They should do Montaric Brown next. The issue is that the Ashdown, Arkansas narive isn't their only prominent player scheduled to become a free agent.
Aside from Brown, running back Travis Etienne, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen are set to hit the open market in 2026. You could make the case that all three, or at least Etienne and Lloyd, will be at the top of the team's priority list. Couple that with the fact that Jacksonville will potentially be dealing with a cap crunch next year, and the front office might have trouble re-signing Brown before the start of free agency.
It's also worth noting that Travis Hunter will be back from a knee injury, so the cupboard won't be fully bare. That said, letting Brown walk would turn corner into a massive need because Greg Newsome's contract also expires after 2025.
Ultimately, it may not be easy to get it done, but by locking up Montaric Brown, the Jaguars would have continuity at corner, and the position wouldn't be a need in the offseason.