4 trades that could help the Jacksonville Jaguars reclaim the AFC South in 2024
3. Creed Humphrey, center
Centers don't get lots of love in the NFL, unlike offensive tackles or more glamorous positions such as wide receiver or quarterback. Regardless of the reason, they're an important part of an offensive line's success, having to touch the ball on every play. A bad snap could quickly stall a drive or, worst-case, lead to a turnover, which is why teams should always look for a good one.
In the Jaguars' case, they have Luke Fortner, but it looks like they're willing to look for a possible replacement in free agency or the draft. By the time you're reading this, they'll be or will have already hosted veteran Mitch Morse for a meeting. Morse, a cap casualty by the Bills, would be an affordable (and dependable) option to replace Fortner, who was among the worst centers in the league last year.
Veteran center Mitch Morse completed his visit to the #Steelers and is on the way to Jacksonville to meet with #Jaguars, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2024
Buffalo released Morse this week after five seasons with the club.
But if Jacksonville wanted the crème de la crème when it comes to centers, they should then target Creed Humphrey. The Kansas City Chiefs would probably hang up as soon as the Jags or any other team called them to inquire about the fourth-year pro. But that's how dominant he is.
If the Jaguars hadn't had a need at pretty much every position group in 2021, they should've drafted Humphrey that year. Even though the former Oklahoma Sooner gave up a career-worst four sacks last year, he still played at a high level, posting a solid Pro Football Focus grade of 78.2. In Jacksonville, he would be an immediate upgrade over Fortner, who's not done enough over the last two years to make the team think he's the long-term answer at center.
The bottom line is that center is one of the Jaguars' biggest needs right now and trading for Humphrey, as unlikely as it is, would be a massive solution.