10 realistic free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars can sign (and afford) in 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars must operate with a sense of urgency in 2024. They were expected to make the playoffs and win the AFC South title but couldn't accomplish either. Now, they find themselves having to catch up to the Houston Texans. Similarly, the Indianapolis Colts are lurking behind, so the Jags must load up on talent if they want to avoid falling behind their division foes. One way they can do it is through free agency.
The Jaguars' brass didn't make many big signings last year but they should consider making a few this time around. The trouble is that even after the salary cap increase, they'll only have around $24 million in space. They will get a bit more once they release a few players, but even then, going after key premier free agents such as defensive end Brian Burns or defensive tackle Justin Madubuike seems unlikely. So which free agents could Jacksonville sign? Here are 10 realistic possibilities.
10. Jeff Okudah, cornerback
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a pair of starting cornerbacks in Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams but they could use a bit of depth at the position, especially with Chris Claybrooks still on the commissioner's exempt list, and Tre Herndon scheduled to become a free agent. Jeff Okudah makes sense, as he played for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during his stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
Okudah, a first-round pick in 2020, dealt with injuries early in his NFL career. After three seasons, the Detroit Lions had seen enough of him and sent him packing to Atlanta, where he was seen as a reclamation project. Ultimately, the former Ohio Buckeye didn't have a breakout season but he was able to build consistency with the Falcons, something he wasn't previously able to do.
Even though Okudah gave up a 61.5 completion percent rate and didn't record a pick last year, he didn't allow a single touchdown. He could continue to improve under Nielsen, and the Jaguars would get a solid CB3 ready to step up in case either Campbell or Williams misses time in 2024.