3 trades that would propel the Jaguars to the Super Bowl in 2024

Unlike last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars properly addressed most of their needs in the offseason. While the roster isn't perfect, they don't have glaring weaknesses. On the other hand, some of their position groups could still use a boost.

With $27 million in cap space, the Jags still have enough money to make a handful of acquisitions before the start of the regular season. However, there aren't many enticing options in the open market, so the team's brass could make a few calls and inquire about a handful of players. These three could have an immediate impact and increase their chances of reaching Super Bowl 59.

Haason Reddick could help the Jaguars reach Super Bowl 59

The Jaguars have a formidable tandem of bookend pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The duo combined for 27.5 sacks between the two in 2023 and should be even better next season. That said, the depth behind them is a bit suspect. The team's brass signed Trevis Gipson in the offseason to round out their rotation but he's somewhat of an unknown commodity right now.

Gipson, a fifth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2020, logged seven sacks in his sophomore season but had a combined four the past two years. In his defense, he wasn't playing in a scheme that magnified his strengths, something he'll enjoy in Jacksonville.

Under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, Gipson will play with his hand on the ground, where he's at his best. Having said that, there's no guarantee he'll take off next season, so it wouldn't hurt the Jags to bolster their pass rush before the start of the regular season. Haason Reddick couldn't most definitely help.

A first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, Reddick got off to a somewhat slow start to his NFL career, registering just 7.5 sacks in his first three seasons. However, he broke out in 2020 and hasn't looked back. The past four years, he's amassed 50 sacks during stints.

Reddick played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and spent the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was traded to the New York Jets this offseason but hasn't reported because he's looking for a raise. The Temple native is slated to make $15 million in 2024 but he wants to make around $25 million - $30 million.

Realistically speaking, Reddick probably won't get the amount he wants but the Jaguars could trade for him and give him a salary bump. They could add $5 million to his current deal and sweeten it with performance-based incentives. The Jets have limited cap space right now and to avoid a potential headache, they may want to cut their losses and trade Reddick to Jacksonville.

At this point, they may come to the conclusion that it doesn't make sense to keep Reddick around if he doesn't want to be there, so they could end up moving him in exchange for a late-round selection.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars' pass rush would go from good to great. It wouldn't be cheap from a cap standpoint but his impact would be significant.

Matthew Judon could help the Jaguars reach Super Bowl 59

If the Jags think that trading for Haason Reddick is cost-prohibitive, they could then turn their attention to Matthew Judon. Like Reddick, Judon is looking for a new contract. However, he doesn't have much leverage because he's coming off a biceps injury.

Granted, Judon racked up 28 sacks the past two years and has made the Pro Bowl four times in his career. On the other hand, he's 31, so the New England Patriots may be hesitant to make a long-term commitment to him.

Judon has not attended team activities and reportedly doesn't plan to play under his current deal. He deserves props for trying to get paid as much as he can but the Pats may not be willing to budge. If things get rocky, he could either request a trade or they could decide to ship him. Either way, the Jags should keep tabs on him.

Marshon Lattimore could help the Jagurars reach Super Bowl 59

The Jaguars' need for help at cornerback has been overblown. It's true that the group as a whole doesn't have much luster but that doesn't mean they're the liability they're portrayed to be. Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to add reinforcements before the start of the regular season.

Earlier this year, the team's brass released Darious Williams to create $11 million in space. He was arguably their best cornerback last year, amassing four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and a team-best 19 passes defensed. To replace him, they signed cornerback Ronald Darby, who's been productive throughout his career but has struggled to stay healthy.

Opposite Darby, Tyson Campbell is slated to start. Back in 2022, the former Georgia Bulldog was part of the discussion about the best cornerbacks in the league. After an injury-marred season, he's trying to get back into the conversation.

Behind Campbell and Darby, the Jaguars have rookie Jarrian Jones, who's made a strong impression and could earn a starting job in 2024. But if Darby misses time or Jones isn't ready, the front office could try to reunite defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen with Marshon Lattimore.

Lattimore played for Nielsen when he was with the New Orleans Saints. The former Ohio State Buckeye was seen as a potential trade candidate early in the offseason but the Saints have since said that they don't plan to move him despite his cap hit of $14 million for 2024.

Maybe after drafting Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans will change their mind, especially if he makes a strong impression in training camp. By moving on from Lattimore, they would pave the way for McKinstry to start opposite Paulson Adebo.

Despite playing through injuries, Lattimore has given up less than 12.0 yards per reception and surrendered just one touchdown reception the past two years. He's most definitely worth a flyer.

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