3 trades Jacksonville Jaguars can make to address biggest needs, get back on track

2. Trade the Jaguars must make to right the ship before the deadline: James Hurst, LG

The Jaguars chose not to make any splash signings in free agency because they believed the core that made the playoffs and won the AFC South would once again have the same impact. This approach made sense when you take into account that the team's brass will need to hand in several big contracts in 2024. However, the early results haven't probably been the ones the Jags expected and it's fair to wonder if they should've made a bigger investment in the trenches back in March.

In particular, the Jaguars rolled with left guard Ben Bartch despite the fact that he was recovering from a dislocated knee he suffered last year. The former St. John Johnny went on to miss most of the offseason and only suited up once Week 1 once around the corner.

It's true that Bartch needs an acclimation period. After all, he spent more than eight months away from football but Jacksonville can't afford to keep him in the lineup if he continues to struggle. There's the chance the coaching staff move Walker Little to left guard and install Cam Robinson once he's eligible to return from his four-game suspension.

An alternative would be to bolster the depth on the offensive line by trading for guard James Hurst, who is set to make a reasonable $1.5 million this year. A ten-year veteran, Hurst has ample experience, appearing in 138 games with 83 starts.

Although Hurst isn't a Pro Bowl guard, he would provide stability at left guard in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the Saints have an adequate replacement in Andrus Peat, so they may be willing to trade Hurst for a Day 3 pick in the draft.

The Jaguars could also lean on veteran Tyler Shatley if Bartch doesn't show improvement but Hurst would be a significant upgrade at left guard. This is why they should get on the phone with New Orleans and see if Hurst is available.