The Jacksonville Jaguars did a good job addressing needs in the offseason. However, they cannot rest on their laurels. They could still use proven depth and a handful of position groups, and there are a handful of players still looking for a team that could be of help.
The Jags currently have around $28 million cap space, so they could afford to make a handful of moves before training camp. The coaching staff surely wants to see what they have in their young players before they sign anyone. On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to lock up any of the following free agents.
The Jaguars should consider signing OG Gabe Jackson before training camp
The Jaguars re-signed left guard Ezra Cleveland in free agency and restructured right guard Brandon Scherff's deal to ensure he stayed in 2023. On top of that, they inked veteran Mitch Morse to solidify the center spot.
All things considered, the interior offensive line looks in good shape ahead of training camp but there's still room for reinforcements. Sophomore Cooper Hodges is at full strength after missing his rookie campaign with a patella injury.
The team's brass also brought back veteran offensive lineman Tyler Shatley just before this year's draft but he struggled last season when he saw the field, so it would be a good idea to add help. One player who makes sense is Gabe Jackson.
A third-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2014, Jackson has appeared in 136 games with 132 starts throughout his career. While he's never made the Pro Bowl, he's been reliable at all his previous stops. The former Mississippi State Bulldog joined the Carolina Panthers late in 2023 and fared well, giving up three sacks and eight total pressures on 194 pass-blocking snaps.
Despite performing well in 2023, though, Jackson remains unsigned. That is likely due to his age. He'll be 33 by the time the regular season rolls out. That said, he wouldn't have to start in Jacksonville. Instead, he would provide depth and would only step up if needed.
The fact that signing him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive would make Jackson an intriguing addition to the interior offensive line.
The Jaguars should consider signing CB Adoree' Jackson before training camp
The Jaguars didn't prioritize making upgrades at cornerback this offseason but the unit is in solid shape ahead of training camp. Before free agency began, they released Darious Williams in a cap-saving move. While he was their best corner last year, the front office couldn't pass up the chance to free up $11 million in space.
To replace Williams, Jacksonville inked Ronald Darby, who's slated to start opposite Tyson Campbell in 2024. Later in the draft, they picked Jarrian Jones in the third down. Although Darby comes with injury concerns — he's never played a full season and sat out 13 games the past two years — he's a vested veteran who can more than hold his own, having surrendered just one touchdown reception since 2022.
The fact that Jones has impressed in offseason activities likely makes the Jags feel good about their current cornerback group. That said, they could benefit from adding depth in case injuries strike. Apart from Williams, they also let Chris Claybrooks and Tre Herndon walk in free agency. The former spent 2023 on the Commissioner's Expect list but the latter was their primary backup at the position.
If Jones isn't ready, Montaric Brown could be the first in line to fill in for Darby or Campbell if either one misses time. However, he was somewhat inconsistent in 2023. Gregory Junior, rookie Deantre Prince, and sophomore Chris Claybrooks are also in the mix. If none of them step up in training camp, the Jaguars could give Adoree' Jackson a call.
A first-round pick in 2017, Jackson spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tenessee Titans. He played for the New York Giants the past three years. While his interception totals won't pop off the stat sheet, he's a dependable corner who can start a handful of games if needed. The former USC Trojan has appeared in 83 games with 77 starts throughout his career. He's logged four interceptions and 56 passes defensed in that span.
The Jaguars should consider signing DE Yannick Ngakoue before training camp
If you give the Jaguars' defense a look, you won't find a glaring weakness. Having said that, their pass rush could use a boost. Josh Allen is coming off a banner season while Travon Walker made strides in 2023. The issue is that there aren't any enticing options behind them.
Free-agent addition Trevis Gipson had seven sacks in 2021 but only four the past two years. He's a candidate to bounce back but the front office would be better off adding depth in case he doesn't.
Roy Robertson-Harris is another option. He will probably spend time on the edge next season but that shouldn't stop Jacksonville from adding a pass rush specialist to fortify their rotation. A familiar face comes to mind, Yannick Ngakoue.
A third-round pick in 2016, Ngakoue was a mainstay of the Jaguars' defense his first three seasons. However, he was shipped out of town in 2020 after engaging in a contract dispute. The former Maryland Terrapin has since spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, the Baltimore Ravens, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Chicago Bears.
Last year, Ngakoue went unsigned for several months. At the time, he was aiming at joining a contender but ultimately landed with the Bears, who were far from one. A highly productive player throughout most of his career, the Washington D.C. native logged a career-low four sacks in the Windy City.
Maybe it wasn't a good fit, but regardless of the reason, Ngakoue could benefit from a fresh start. He would get it in Duval. You could make the case that he left on less-than-ideal terms. However, there's a new regime in place, one that has shown an affinity for rewarding their own players.
Perhaps Ngakoue could sign an incentive-laden deal. If he's still a productive pass rusher, he'll cash in. If he doesn't, signing him would be a low-risk move for the Jaguars.