4 offseason moves that will make Jaguars fans change their stance on Trent Baalke

2. Sign Calvin Ridley, or draft his replacement (Brian Thomas Jr.?)

The Jaguars could make changes to the wide receiver corps this offseason. Calvin Ridley crossed the 1,000-yard mark in 2023 but he's set to hit the open market. Zay Jones, on the other hand, was hampered by a PCL injury that limited him to eight games. He's entering the last year of the contract he signed in 2022 and he could be a cap casualty.

Ridley dealt with drops last year, and his communication with Trevor Lawrence wasn't optimal. However, there's a chance he'll be even better in 2024 if they spend another offseason together working on their rapport.

The Jaguars may not feel tempted to part ways with the second-round pick they would own the Falcons if they re-sign him, but they'll have an extra compensatory selection in the third round, so the team's brass could afford to give up the second-rounder.

Another reason the Jaguars should re-sign Ridley is that the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on fellow receiver Tee Higgins. A second-round pick in the 2020 draft, he would've been one of the top receivers to hit the open market his offseason. The fact that he's previously caught passes from Trevor Lawrence would've made him a priority target in free agency.

Cincy poured cold water onto their plan, so the Jaguars will have to either keep Ridley around or find his (or Jones') potential replacement. One prospect they've routinely been linked throughout the draft process is LSU Brian Thomas Jr. who would be a solid pick in the first or second round, maybe even in the first. The trouble with going after Thomas in the first round is that the Jags might not then be able to select the player in the next entry.