3 trades that could propel the Jaguars into Super Bowl 58
The Jacksonville Jaguars have built a well-rounded roster and have a realistic chance to make a deep playoff run in 2023. However, they aren't perfect. There are a few holes the Jags could fill before the start of the season. While they could either sign a free agent, they could get on the phone with other teams and try to trade for an established player.
In fact, these three trades would address most of the needs the Jaguars currently have and increase their chances of reaching Super Bowl 58.
No. 3 trade to propel the Jaguars to the Super Bowl: Dorance Armstrong, DE
Pass rush is currently the Jaguars' top need but head coach Doug Pederson said before the team went on vacations that they what to see what they have in their young players before they look for outside help.
This approach makes sense when you take into account that rookies Tyler Lacy and Yasir Abdullah could get earn significant playing time as the season progresses. The same is true for Jordan Smith and K'Lavon Chaisson, a couple of players that will need to make an impression to remain in Jacksonville beyond 2023.
Having said that, the Jags could also give the Dallas Cowboys a call and inquire about defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. A fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft, it took Armstrong a bit to hit his stride but he's become an important piece in the Cowboys' defensive line rotation. After tallying just 2.5 sacks in his first three seasons, the Kansas product has registered 13 over the last two.
Armstrong played 47 percent of the Cowboys' defensive snaps in 2022 and 56 percent the year before. In Jacksonville, he could fill in the void left by defensive end Arden Key and round out a pass rush rotation that includes outside linebackers Travon Walker and Josh Allen.
The only potential downside of acquiring Armstrong is that he plays defensive end for the Cowboys but defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell would surely find a way to take advantage of his skillset, whether as standup pass rusher or playing in a three-point stance. Moreover, he's only set to make $1.5 million next season, something that makes him an intriguing trade target.