3 free agents who make perfect sense for Jaguars after 2024 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed several needs in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also managed to add depth to key positions along the way. However, the Jags aren't done making moves. They already started to sign undrafted free agents and are even bringing in veteran wide receiver Jarvis Landry for a workout.

Landry may or may not ultimately make the team but he shouldn't be the only player the Jaguars should kick the tires on. They currently have a bit over $30 million in cap space, so they can afford to sign at least a pair of free agents to round out the roster. These three would make sense.

3. Michael Gallup, wide receiver

Update: Michael Gallup is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Wide receiver Michael Gallup seemed like an ascending star in 2019. That year, he hauled in 66 receptions for 1,107 yards with six touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys. He followed that up with 59 catches for 843 yards in 2020. However, he suffered a torn ACL in 2021 that cut his season short and forced him to miss a portion of 2022.

Gallup is nearly three years removed from the injury, so it should no longer be an issue. Last season, though, he tumbled down the depth chart and only tallied 34 receptions for 418 yards with two touchdowns. He could most definitely benefit from a fresh start and he could get it in Jacksonville.

While Gallup may no longer be suited for a featured role, he would be a solid depth piece behind Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Brian Thomas Jr., especially if the Jaguars pass on signing Landry or move on from Zay Jones.

2. Steven Nelson, cornerback

The Jaguars added a pair of cornerbacks in the draft, Deantre Prince and Jarrian Jones. Both of them have the skill set to eventually contribute in the slot or the boundaries. However, they may need time to get acclimated to the NFL, so it wouldn't hurt to look for veteran help. That's where Steven Nelson comes in.

Nelson, a third-round pick in 2015, spent the past two seasons with the division rival Houston Texans. Before that, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He's played in multiple schemes throughout his career, so he would have no trouble fitting in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme.

Last season, Nelson logged over 1,000 defensive snaps and snagged four interceptions, showing he isn't slowing down yet. In Jacksonville, he could push incumbent Tyson Campbell and provide depth in case the injury bug strikes.

1. Bud Dupree, edge rushers

The team's brass did a good job of fortifying the interior defensive front but they barely addressed the pass rush. With their last pick of the draft, the Jags took defensive end Myles Cole, who's got immense upside but is nothing more than a project at this stage of his NFL career. In their defense, Jacksonville did sign Trevis Gipson in free agency, but they could still do more.

Make no mistake, the Jags have a pair of formidable pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Allen but the rotation could use some juice. That's why reuniting Bud Dupree with Ryan Nielsen would make sense.

Dupree, a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, logged a combined 19.5 sacks in 2019-2020. That helped him land a massive deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2021. However, a torn ACL derailed his stint in Nashville. After two underwhelming seasons, the former Kentucky Wildcat was shown the door. He eventually latched onto the Atlanta Falcons, where Nielsen helped him register 6.0 sacks, the most he's had since 2020.

With the Jaguars, Dupree could build off of his encouraging 2023, and he wouldn't have to be the top guy. In fact, there's a chance he would be more effective in a rotational role.

Read more Jaguars news here: