The Jacksonville Jaguars have their work cut out of them this offseason. While they made several upgrades to the roster last year, they'll need to address several positions if they want to defend their division title and return to the playoffs in 2026.
While defensive tackle is arguably the Jags' biggest needs, the team's brass will also need to bolster the pass rush. After all, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's group did a good job of pressuring the quarterback but didn't make enough game-changing plays.
And if Jacksonville decides to fortify the pass rush in free agency, the Falcons could gift-wrap the perfect No. 3 behind behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
The Jaguars need to target Arnold Ebiketie if the Falcons don't re-sign him
This will be a good year to add a pass rusher in either free agency or the draft. Five-time Pro Bowl nod Maxx Crosby could take the Jaguars' pass rush to new heights, but trading for him would require to give up two first-round picks and a player. Trey Hendrickson, on the other hand, will be one of the top defensive ends available in the open market, but signing him won't come cheap. Nevertheless, the 2024 First-Team All-Pro won't be the only notable pass rusher who's set to be available.
Arnold Ebiketie is also slated to hit the open market. The Atlanta Falcons would surely want to bring him back, but he could be expendable after they drafted Jalon Walker and James Pierce Jr. last year.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus included Ebiketie on a list of under-the-radar free agents not that long ago, pointing out that the former Penn State Nittany Lion was still producive last year despite the fact that his total sack tally went down.
"Although his sack production dropped in his new role, he was efficient with his reps, posting a top-12 pass-rush win rate (16.8%) among qualifying edge rusher," Cameron wrote. "Sack totals are generally what gets the attention, but his ability to beat protection should be duly noted as an indicator of consistency and future production."
Cameron continued, "At 27 years old, Ebiketie is on an upward trajectory and could be an asset to any team hoping to bolster its pass rush. And at $8 million annual projection, the price is modest in comparison to the top-end options on the market at the position."
A second-round pick in 2022, Ebiketie has registered 16.5 sacks and 129 total tackles in 67 games with 12 starts.
Ebiketie's projected price tag of $8 million would most definitely fit the Jags' budget. They're currently $15.9 million over the cap, but they could free up enough space to sign him if they rework a handful of deals.
K'Lavon Chaisson may also command a similar salary in the open market, so Jacksonville will have ample options to address the pass rush beyond Crosby and Hendrickson.
Why signing Arnold Ebiketie makes sense for the Jaguars
Aside from the pass rush, the Jaguars need to add reinforcements at cornerback, and defensive tackle. They will also need to find replacements for running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd if they leave, as expected.
By signing Arnold Ebiketie, the Jags could focus on addressing their remaining needs in the draft. The trouble is that the Jags will probably wait until the first wave comes and goes to get in the fun because of their cap constraints. By then, there's a strong chance Ebiketie will be gone. And if that's the case, they'll need to turn to the draft for help in the defensive trenches.
The good news is that the Jaguars already have a pair of talented pass rusher in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, so they don't really have to make a substantial investment to bolster their rotation behind them. That makes Arnold Ebiketie an intriuging target.