Throughout the offseason, safety has been brought up as a need for the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is understandable when you take into account that they were beaten deep last year. Then again, you could make the case that it wasn't due to a lack of talent but rather inadequate coaching. If that's the case, the Jags should consider bringing back Andre Cisco. However, signs point toward the former Syracuse Orangeman weighing in his options in free agency.
Albert Breer recently shared lots of tidbits ahead of free agency and says that Cisco will explore the possibility of signing a one-year, prove-it deal if he hits the open market.
"Another guy who could sign a one-year deal with an eye on bigger things in 2026 would be Jaguars S Andre Cisco. He’s another one who’s played in a bunch of different systems, and different roles, and has a lot of talent that may still be mined in the right situation."
Cisco earned a reputation as a ballhawk in college, registering 14 passes defensed and 13 interceptions in 24 games. However, injuries in back-back-to-back seasons hurt his stock, and he fell to the third round in 2021. The New York Queens managed to stay healthy but spent most of his rookie campaign on the sidelines. When he was given a shot, he made the most of it.
By 2022, Cisco had joined the starting lineup and proved to be the playmaker the Jags expected, registering a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed the next two years. However, he struggled both defending the run and dropping in coverage last season.
Looking back, Cisco must shoulder some of the blame for his dip in performance. That said, the defense was held back by Ryan Nielsen, who rubbed players the wrong way with his arrogant demeanor. His inadequate coaching surely played a role in his unit's underwhelming play.
That's why Cisco, who was dubbed a breakout candidate in 2024, could bounce back next season. But because he's coming off a somewhat down year, he'll need to bet on himself.
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Should the Jaguars re-sign Andre Cisco
You should always expect the unexpected when it comes to the NFL. This is to say that it doesn't look like the Jacksonville Jaguars will re-sign Andre Cisco, but deadlines spur actions and could get a deal done before March 12, the day free agency officially starts. On the other hand, there's a chance he will leave in free agency, and if that's the case, they'll need to look for another starting safety.
Jevon Holland is probably the Jags' top option to replace Cisco because of his familiarity with defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Tre'vor Moerigh and Cam Bynum would be other options in case they miss on Holland.
It's worth noting that signing any of them will probably be more expensive than bringing back Cisco. Then again, the team's brass may have already decided isthat Cisco isn't a fit and are ready to move in a different direction.
In the end, both the Jaguas and Cisco could benefit from a fresh start. If he gets it, he could at last the player he was expected to be in Jacksonville.