Defensive tackle isn't a strength for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, it could be a need, if not a weakness. This is why it wasn't particularly shocking to find out that they had been looking for help at the position since before DaVon Hamilton suffered a quad injury that brougth his season to a premature end. And with the trade deadline looming, speculation about general manager James Gladstone making a splash has only grown louder.
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media posted on Twitter that he expects the Jags to be buyers at the deadline, noting that they've engaged in conversations with a handful of clubs to acquire reinforcements at either safety or defensive tackle.
On his tweet, Wolfe also states the expects talks to intensify Monday, and if that's the case, Jacksonville will have a handful of options at both positions.
The Jaguars will have options to make a splash at defensive tackle
Like Cameron Wolfe, colleague Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated has shared what he's heard with the November 10 deadline inching closer. He states that with Daron Payne landing on Injured Reserve, the best remaining options for teams looking for upgrades at defensive tackle are Davon Godchaux (New Orleans Saints), Grover Stewart (Indianapolis Colts), Bobby Brown IIII (Carolina Panthers), and Christian Barmore (New England Patriots).
Conspicuously missing from that list are big names like Derrick Brown (Carolina Panthers), Moro Ojomo (Philadelphia Eagles), and Jalen Carter (also Philly). Breer says that the Eagles aren't entertaining interest in Ojomo, adding that the same is true for the Miami Dolphins with Zach Sieler.
On the other hand, the Panthers may not be willing to move Brown, even if they're offered a first-round selection, because he's simply too valuable, and trading him would have a negative impact on their salary cap.
If the Jaguars want to add a safety, though, Budda Baker may be their best option. Then again, they're in good shape at the position with Antonio Johnson, Kaevon Merriweather, Rayuan Lane III, and Jalen Huskey, so you could make the case that defensive tackle is a bigger priority.
If that's the case, what are Jacksonville's best alternatives to bolster the interior defensive line?
Related: Latest intel pours cold water on trade rumors involving Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jaguars could make swing at defensive tackle nobody expects
Of course, teams aren't interested in entertaining offers for certain players, but some of them could change their tune with the right offer. This doesn't mean that the Jaguars will have carte blanche, but rather that they could make an aggressive bid if they've zeroed in on someone.
Let's say Jacksonville likes Moro Ojomo. It may take a second or a third, and another pick, to get a deal done. You can bet that James Gladstone will meet the Eagles' asking price if he's already set his sights on him. The same is true for Jalen Carter, who appears to be off limits. It would probably take two first-rounders to maybe get Philadelphia to listen.
In the end, the Jaguars know that their Super Bowl window is wide open, and trading for a premier defensive tackle will only increase their odds of making a playoff run. Heck, it would be odd if the deadline comes and goes and they don't make a move.
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