4 Jacksonville Jaguars players that cannot afford to regress in 2023

No. 2 Jaguars player who can't afford to regress in 2023: Zay Jones, WR

General manager Trent Baalke was under scrutiny for going on a spending spree last offseason but it's hard to disagree with the decision when you take into account that all the players he acquired went on to play pivotal roles for the Jaguars in 2022.

One of Baalke's most questionable signings was that of wide receiver Zay Jones. A second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2017, the former East Carolina Pirate had only tallied 600 yards or more once in his NFL career up until 2021, so it was rather puzzling to see the Jags give him a three-year deal worth $24 million.

Jones got off to a somewhat slow start in 2022. And getting hurt didn't help matter but he would go on to show his worth in the second half of the season, hauling in 474 yards with four touchdowns in the last seven games. Moreover, he caught the game-winning two-point conversion against the Baltimore Ravens and had an amazing touchdown grab against the Los Angeles Chargers in Super Wild Card Weekend.

With the arrival of Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars are set to have one of the best wide receiver corps in the NFL next season but it will only happen if Jones (and Christian Kirk) once again shine.