10 realistic free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars can sign (and afford) in 2024
7. Robert Hunt, right guard
Revamping the offensive trenches will be one of the Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest priorities this offseason. Behind a group that didn't provide adequate protection, Trevor Lawrence had to rush his throws and eventually got hurt in 2023. Anton Harrison held his own at right tackle and the combo of Walker Little/Cam Robinson kept the star quarterback upright. However, the same cannot be said about the interior offensive line.
Although there was a revolving door at left guard, and center Luke Fortner was arguably the weakest link inside, veteran Brandon Scherff wasn't particularly great at right guard. He wasn't necessarily bad, but he wasn't great either, which isn't what the Jaguars expected him to be when they gave him a three-year deal worth $49 million in 2022.
In his defense, Scherff has managed to start 34 consecutive games in Jacksonville. This is noteworthy when you consider that the former Iowa Hawkeye hadn't played a full season since 2016.
Scherff is now entering the last year of the contract he inked in 2022 and there's a chance he could be a cap casualty. He's set to have a massive cap hit of $22 million next season but the Jags could free up $9 million in space if they move on from him. It's not a given that they will but if they do, they could then target Robert Hunt in free agency.
Hunt, a second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020, dealt with injuries last year but he didn't miss a single offensive snap in any of his first three seasons. On top of that, he's been one of the Phins' most consistent linemen, posting Pro Football Focus overall grades of 66.0 or higher throughout his career.
In 2022, Hunt played all 17 games and gave up just 21 total pressures and three sacks. The Jaguars could definitely use that kind of production at right guard, even if they have to give him a top-market contract. He's expected to get an annual salary of $17.5 million, which is more or less the same amount they paid for Scherff.
Hunt is younger than Scherff, so the Jaguars wouldn't probably mind making such an investment if it means keeping Trevor Lawrence protected.