3 pending free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars could surprisingly re-sign in 2024
• They are in dire need of playmakers
• But it would also make sense to re-sign these 3 veterans
2. Tre Herndon, cornerback
The Jaguars' depth at cornerback has been exposed this year. With Tyson Campbell and Tre Herndon missing time, sophomores Gregory Junior and Montaric Brown have seen extended playing time. Similarly, rookie Antonio Johnson, who's listed as a safety, has been getting work in the slot.
Whereas Johnson has flashed, Junior and Brown seem better suited for backup roles at this stage of their respective careers. For that reason, it would be a good idea to re-sign Herndon in the offseson. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Herndon worked his way up the depth chart and made 26 starts from 2019-2020.
The Vanderbilt product was expected to be the slot cornerback in 2021 but he suffered an MCL injury before the season that hindered his performance and forced him to miss a few games. He returned one a one-year deal in 2022. He didn't get much playing time early in the season but eventually settled at nickel, a role he kept this season after getting another one-year deal.
Herndon isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber player but he's a good fit in the Jaguars' defensive scheme. Antonio Johnson could get an expanded role in 2024 but Herndon's flexibility to line up inside and outside has been valuable. Add the fact that it wouldn't be cost-prohibitive to re-sign him and he's an intriguing option to return in 2024.