3 O-Linemen set to be free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars need to target in 2024
• These pending free agent could be of help
![Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) blocks during overtime Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) blocks during overtime](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3658,h_2057,x_0,y_977/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01hjrq9w5ajgbbbst3yp.jpg)
2. Andre James, Las Vegas Raiders
Center Luke Fortner has been one of the Jaguars' biggest disappointments this season. Fortner, a third-round pick in last year's draft, was a Week 1 starter and the only player on offense to play all 100 percent of the team's total snaps in 2022. Moreover, he gave up just a sack, but he also was a work in progress, especially in the running game.
Jacksonville expected Fortner to improve in 2023 but he's regressed instead. Although he's been a bit better in pass protection, he's been a liability as a run blocker and one of the reasons the team has struggled to get the running game going this season. It's understandable that the top brass still doesn't want to give up on him, but they should at least consider bringing in competition next year. If that's the case, they could look for a veteran in free agency or draft a center.
If the Jaguars take the free agency route, there will be no shortage of options. Aaron Brewer should be at the top of the list, and so should Connor Wiliams. The issue with Williams is that he's coming off an ACL injury, and he may not be ready for the start of the 2024 season. If the Jags want a proven commodity, one that won't be cost-prohibitive, they should then go after Andre James.
After going undrafted in 2019, James signed with the Las Vegas, then-Oakland, Raiders. He worked his way up the depth chart and fended off veteran Nick Martin in 2021 to seize the starting job at center. James has made 46 starts the past three seasons and has been one of the few bright spots for the Silver and Black in the trenches this season.
While Andre James has given up 18 pressures and four sacks this season, he would be an upgrade over Fortner.