3 potential trade destinations for Jaguars C Luke Fortner

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a pleasant surprise in 2023. Whereas the Green Bay Packers already had lots of talent in place and their main question mark was the quarterback position, the Bucs were entering the first year of the Tom Brady era and were seen as a rebuilding project throughout the league.

Surprisingly, Tampa Bay exceeded expectations. Head coach Todd Bowles certainly deserves lots of praise but so does general manager Jason Licht for inking plucky quarterback Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal worth $4 million in the offseason. Without a doubt, it was the best signing of last year.

Coming off a year in which Mayfield spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers, his value was at an all-time low. Yet, he showed that he was still the dynamic signal-caller he was early in his career. He only needed stability and someone who believed in him. Now, Mayfield is set to become a free agent but he should return to Tampa Bay. It's also worth noting that Mayfield and the Bucs enjoyed success despite the fact that their interior offensive line wasn't particularly great.

Specifically, center Robert Hainsey left a bit to be desired, registering four sacks and 27 total pressures. A third-round pick in the 2021 draft, Hainsay could remain in Tampa Bay for another season but he may face competition to keep his job. Luke Fortner would be an ideal challenger. Given that they will need to devote a considerable amount of cap space to re-sign Mayfield and other players, Fortner would present an affordable alternative to improve the center position.

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