3 Jaguars 2024 opponents who vastly improved in free agency
The NFL hasn't announced the schedule for 2024 but the opponents are set. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for their part, got a mix of relatively easy and tough matchups. Following a productive free-agency period, they're in a position to hold their ground noise next season.
That said, the Jags weren't the only team that improved the past few months. The rest of the AFC South also made several key moves in free agency, so reclaiming the division next season won't be an easy task. Similarly, some of the clubs Jacksonville is set to face also made upgrades. These three in particular could be a cause for concern.
3. Tennessee Titans
The Houston Texans spared no expenses to get better in free agency, signing defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. However, they didn't improve nearly as much as the Tennessee Titans. That was partly due to the fact that the Titans had nowhere to go up, but there's no doubt teams won't be able to take them lightly after revamping their roster.
Besides signing running back Tony Pollard and poaching wide receiver Calvin Ridley from the Jaguars, Tennessee also traded for cornerback L'Jarious Sneed. On top of that, they fortified their offensive trenches by singing center Lloyd Cushenberry, who'll be a big upgrade over Aaron Brewer, last year's starter.
All the moves the Titans made in free agency put sophomore Will Levis in a great position to prove he's the long-term answer behind center. It will be up to him to make the most out of the chance.
2. New York Jets
The New York Jets pulled off a blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers last offseason but an ACL tear limited him to just four snaps. Rodgers should be back at full strength in 2024 and the Jets' brass went into a spending spree to ensure he's got plenty of talent at his disposal.
Knowing they needed to fortify the trenches, New York managed to land Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith. Also, they signed former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who will give Rodgers a huge target opposite Garrett Wilson. And to fortify their defensive front, they brought back Solomon Thomas and inked Javon Kinlaw.
If that wasn't enough, New York added veteran Tyrod Taylor to their quarterback room. Last year, they didn't have a plan B when Rodgers went down. Now, they do.
1. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are putting all the resources they have to good use. They sent a fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for wide receiver Keenan Allen. They later fortify the trenches with Coleman Shelton and Ryan Ryan Bates. Moreover, they brought in tight end Gerald Everett, a reliable target in the middle of the field, and running back D'Andre Swift.
However, the most important move Chicago made the past few months was arguably trading former first-round pick Justin Fields to tmadehe Pittsburgh Steelers to pave the way for Caleb Williams at No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Based on the moves the Bears did, it's clear they want him to have success right off the bat.