The Jacksonville Jaguars came up short of expectations in 2023. While you could point to several reasons for their inability to win the AFC South and make the playoffs, their offensive line play played a massive role. Unable to protect Trevor Lawrence or open running lanes in the running game, their offense had a hard time putting points on the scoreboard throughout the year. And among the biggest culprits for their struggles in both areas was center Luke Fortner.
A third-round pick in 2022, Fortner regressed last season, giving up 28 total pressures and three sacks. He wasn't much better in the running game, posting a dreadful Pro Football Focus grade of 40.0 in that department. But as underwhelming as he's been, it's possible that the Jaguars haven't given up on him. Heck, general manager Trent Baalke went to bat for him the last time he met with the local media.
But despite Baalke's endorsement, the Jaguars should look for ways to upgrade the center position this offseason. At worst, Fortner should compete for the starting job in 2022 but if the team's brass is serious about fortifying the trenches, they should then eye one of the next veterans in free agency as his potential replacement.
3. Aaron Brewer
After lining up at guard early in his career, Aaron Brewer moved to center last year. He didn't fare particularly well, giving up 36 pressures and six sacks. That's not the kind of production you want from the center position, but it's fair to assume that he'll continue to get better as he gets a firmer grasp of the position.
In Jacksonville, Brewer wouldn't come in as the starter but could add competition at center. When you take into account that signing him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive, he would be a solid alternative to Fortner. Then again, there may be better options out there, and the Jaguars should spare no expenses to improve the position.
2. Connor Williams
The Jaguars will have a wide array of options if they want to sign a veteran center. Connor Williams will be one of them but he comes with a caveat. A second-round pick in 2018 by the Dallas Cowboys, Williams lined up at left guard his first four NFL seasons. It wasn't until he joined the Miami Dolphins in 2022 that he made the switch to guard.
Right off the bat, Williams thrived in his new position, setting a career-high with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 78.2, the highest mark in his career. He was able to pick up where he left off in 2023 but he suffered an ACL injury toward the end of the season.
While there's a reason to believe Williams will make a full recovery, he may not be ready for the start of the 2024 season. And even if he returns in time for the opener, there's no guarantee he'll be at full strength. The Jaguars could roll the dice on Williams but they might be better off going with a player who's not coming off a season-ending injury and can participate in offseason activities.
On the other hand, signing Williams may not be cost-prohibitive. Knowing he'll need to spend the offseason rehabbing, he won't probably get a top-market contract. Instead, he'll probably have to settle on a one-year, prove-it deal. The issue with taking a flyer on Williams is that there's no telling if he'll be his old self when he returns. But if he does, he would be a heck of an acquisition.
It would then be up to the Jaguars to decide if they want to take on the risk or let other team find out.
1. Andre James
If the Jaguars are willing to spare no expenses to make upgrades in free agency, they should then go after veteran Andre James, who's set to be one of the best centers available. After going undrafted in 2019, James signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and worked his way up the roster. By 2021, he had joined the starting lineup, beating Nick Martin for the center job.
James has been one of the Raiders' bright spots in the offensive trenches, making 48 starts over the last three years. While he's not an All-Pro caliber center, he gave up a reasonable four sacks and 19 total pressures last season. Also, he's avoided major injuries throughout his career, which is probably why Las Vegas will make an effort to re-sign him before free agency starts.
With $35 million in cap space, they won't have trouble giving him an extension if they want him to return. Pro Football Focus projects James will get a three-year deal worth $9 million, or an annual average of $3 million. That's an amount Las Vegas should be able to afford and the Jaguars shouldn't mind paying if he hits the open market.
By signing James, the Jaguars would no longer have to worry about the center position and could turn their attention to other needs in the draft. The fact that they wouldn't have to break the bank to bring him aboard makes him an appealing option. That is unless the Raiders re-sign him. If that's the case, Jacksonville will have to turn somewhere else for help at center.