4 pressing priorities for Jacksonville Jaguars GM Trent Baalke in 2024

3. Trent Baalke must decide what to do with Calvin Ridley, sort out the WR room

The Jaguars had a talented trio of starting wide receivers in Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones last year. However, their dearth of depth was exposed when Jones missed time. While Jamal Agnew is a game-changer as a returner, there's a dropoff from Jones to him. It didn't help that Agnew also missed time. Fast forward to 2024, and Jackosnville's wide receiver room could look considerably different.

The Jaguars have a solid slot receiver in Parker Washington, who got playing time when Kirk suffered a core injury late in the season. But other than him, Trent Baalke needs to bolster depth at the position. On top of that, he'll need to make a decision on Ridley, Agnew, and Jones.

Ridley is scheduled to hit the open market. What makes re-signing him tricky is that the Jags will need to give the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick as part of the trade they made to acquire him in 2022 if they give him an extension. But if they let him walk, it will be a third. If he leaves, they'll need to look for his replacement.

Regarding Jones, he's still under contract through 2024 but he's coming off an injured-riddled year. It's fair to assume that he'll bounce back if he stays healthy but if the Jags decide to release him and create a bit of space, they'll have a need at receiver. Last but not least is Agnew. He's also a pending free agent, and if he walks, Baalke will have to add depth and also look for another returner to take his place.

Either way, the Jags may need to dip their toes into free agency or the draft to bolster the wide receiver corps.