3 trades the Jaguars can make to address biggest needs ahead of the 2023 season

No. 1 trade the Jaguars can make before the 2023 season: Carlos Basham Jr.; DE

The Jaguars have one of the most underrated pass rusher in the NFL in Josh Allen, who hasn't put up high sack totals in previous years but has excelled at routinely creating pressure up over since he was drafted seventh overall in 2019. Opposite Allen is Travon Walker who had somewhat of a rookie season in 2022 but is poised to make a leap in Year 2.

If Walker does show progress next season, the Jags would have one of the most dominant pass-rush duos in the league. However, the rest of their rotation leaves a bit to be desired. Head coach Doug Pederson told the media early in training camp that K'Lavon Chaisson is currently No. 3 behind Allen and Walker but he hasn't done enough the last three years to make you think he's going to become a top-tier pass rusher in 2023.

For the sake of argument, let's say Chaisson does put it all together, Jacksonville would still need someone else to round out their pass rush unit. They brought back defensive end Dawuane Smoot but he's still recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered last year and it might be a while before he can fully contribute.

Rookies Yasir Abdullah, who was dubbed a draft steal, and Tyler Lacy could eventually become important pieces in the pass rush rotation but expecting either one to have a huge impact right off the bat might be a tall ask, which is why the Jaguars should consider adding another pass rusher before the opener.

Head coach Doug Pederson said that he wants to see what their young players can do before entertaining the thought of adding another pass rusher. However, Buffalo Bills defensive end Boogie Basham would be an intriguing talent to inquire about if the Jaguars want to upgrade their pass rush.

Basham is just entering his third NFL season but the Bills have a logjam in their pass rush rotation, with Von Miller, Gregory Rosseau, Leonard Floyd, Shaq Lawson, and A.J. Epensa expected to have big roles at some point of the 2023 season. This could lead general manager Brandon Beane to shop Basham around.

Boogie, a second-round pick in 2021. hasn't started a single game these past two seasons but has still managed to register 4.5 sacks. While he's fallen down the Buffalo depth chart, he could benefit from a fresh start in Jacksonville, where he could become a key rotation piece on defense.

While it's not common to see teams give up on early-round picks after just two seasons, it's not unheard of, which is why the Bills could feel comfortable moving on from Basham. If they do, the Jaguars should give Beane a call and inquire about his availability.

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