3 signings the Jacksonville Jaguars could make in free agency that would cause revolt

1. Michael Thomas, wide receiver

The Jaguars' wide receiver corps could undergo a facelift in the offseason. Calvin Ridley is slated to become a free agent, and Zay Jones could be a cap casualty. The Jags could re-sign Ridley and move on from Jones, who's coming off a down season. Conversely, they could expect Jones to bounce back in 2024 and let Ridley walk, so they will give the Atlanta Falcons a third-round pick, and not a second, as part of the deal they made to acquire him in 2022.

Either way, it's hard to see the Jaguars keeping both Ridley and Jones next year. If they move on from Ridley, they could use their second-round pick on someone like LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. but if they opt for the free-agency route, they'll also have ample options. At the top of the list will be Tee Higgins and Mike Evans. If the Jaguars want to swing for the fences, they should target either one. On the other hand, they should avoid Michael Thomas.

If this were 2019 and Thomas were available, he would be one of the best options in the open market. That year, the former Ohio State Buckeye hauled in a monster 149 receptions for 1,725 yards with nine touchdowns. Rightfully, he earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. Unfortunately, he hasn't been nearly as productive since then, with injuries robbing him of his game-changing skills.

In 2020, a myriad of ailments, including an ankle injury, limited Thomas to seven games and 40 receptions. He then missed the 2021 season after suffering a setback in his recovery from the ankle injury. He returned in 2022 but only managed to suit up for three games. This time, a dislocated toe and a hamstring injury were the culprits. Still, the New Orleans Saints reworked his contract in the hopes that he would bounce back last year. He kind of did, playing in 10 games, the most since 2019.

Thomas is technically under contract in 2024 but his deal is designated to make him a post-June 1 cut, per Over The Cap. This means he should be available in free agency, but the Jaguars should refrain from pursuing him. While he may still enjoy strong name recognition, he's not the player he was a few years ago.

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