3 trades Jacksonville Jaguars can make to address biggest needs, get back on track
• At 1-2, they have a few glaring weaknesses
• These 3 trades would address them all
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-2 heading into Week 4. There are many reasons for their slow start. Lack of execution is one. Another is coaching. One that maybe isn't discussed nearly enough is their dearth of talent at certain position groups. In particular, the Jags have been losing the battle in both trenches the last couple weeks.
Their offensive line can't adequately protect Trevor Lawrence or open lanes in the running game. The defensive front isn't much better. They began the 2023 season with a bang, registering four sacks and eight total pressures in the opener. However, the pass rush has considerably cooled down since then.
Returning to the basics will be pivotal for Jacksonville in the upcoming weeks but they should also consider making a few trades before this year's deadline. With this in mind, here are three moves the Jaguars could to bolster both trenches.
3. Trade the Jaguars must make to right the ship before the deadline: Nick Harris, C
Left guard Ben Bartch and right tackle Anton Harrison deserve most of the Jaguars' struggles on the offensive line. Not often brought up has been sophomore center Luke Fortner, who flashed as a rookie but also experienced a learning curve.
Fortner has given up just one sack but has struggled in the running game. Moreover, he totaled three pressures against defensive tackle Chris Jones. While it's true that the former Kentucky Wildcat won't go against a player of Jones caliber every week, the Jaguars surely expected him to show more growth in Year 2. Enter Cleveland Browns center Nick Harris, who missed the 2022 season with an ACL tear.
Harris competed with Ethan Pocic for the starting job at center last year but he got hurt two plays into the preseason. With Pocic firmly entrenched at center now, the Browns could afford to trade Harris, especially if 2023 sixth-round Luke Wypler is further in his development.
The fact that Harris is set to have a base salary of $1.088 million in 2023 makes him an appealing trade candidate, one that can probably be had for a sixth-round selection.