5 affordable free agent targets for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason
• Here are 4 cost-efficient free agents who could fill needs for the Jaguars in free agency.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made several moves with free agency looming. Besides using the franchise tag on outside linebacker Josh Allen, they released defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, cornerback Darious Williams, and safety Rayshawn Jenkins to create around $20 million in space.
Maybe the Jags will continue freeing up space in the upcoming days, but they'll soon need to turn their attention to filling roster holes. They'll address some of them in the draft, but they'll take care of a few in free agency. Otherwise, they run the risk of trailing behind their AFC South foes.
Working against Jacksonville is that they don't have nearly as much space as their division rivals. Even after the cuts, they have around $19 million. Then again, they don't have to overspend to make a couple signings. There will be a handful of bargain options in the open market, and here are four that could fit the Jaguars' budget this offseason.
5. Noah Brown, receiver, Dallas Cowboys
While Josh Allen isn't going anywhere, there's a chance Calvin Ridley will leave in free agency. If he does, the Jaguars will need to look for his replacement in free agency or the draft. At No. 17, they could be in a position to take Rome Odunze, Keon Coleman, or Brian Thomas Jr. But if they opt to address other position groups, Noah Brown could turn out to be a low-key serviceable option in the open market.
Brown, a seventh-round pick in 2017, spent his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Houston Texans last year. Mostly a role player in his stint with Big D, he's tallied at least 500 yards each of the past two seasons. Moreover, he showed big-play capabilities with the Texans, averaging 17.5 yards per catch.
While it's true that Brown suffered a shoulder injury in Wild Card Weekend, he should be a full go in the offseason, so the Jags shouldn't hesitate to pursue him.
Of course, Brown thrived in Houston because other weapons drew coverage away from him. However, he would also join an offense loaded with playmakers in Jacksonville, so he should be able to keep up where he left off last year.