5 players set to become free agents that can fix the Jaguars top needs in 2024
• Here are 5 potential FAs that could help them address them
1. Dorance Armstrong Jr, Edge
The Jaguars weren't able to upgrade their pass rush in 2023 despite multiple attempts. They showed interest in Jadevon Clowney, and Calais Campbell before the start of the regular season but opted to pass on both.
Similarly, they were linked to Danielle Hunter for several months but weren't ultimately able to trade for him. The same is true for Chase Young and Montez Sweat. They were on the trade block at the deadline but the Jags didn't aggressively try to acquire either one.
The silver lining is that Josh Allen is having a breakout season and Travon Walker, the first overall selection in 2022, is constantly making progress. That said, the pass rush remains a need for the Jaguars and they must address it next year. K'Lavon Chaisson and Dawuane Smoot are slated to hit the open market.
The Jags could bring back either Chaisson or Smoot but they need a third pass rusher behind Allen and Walker who can wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. While Brian Burns or Hunter would be great, signing them may not be feasible when you take into account that Jacksonville also needs to extend Allen, and he won't come cheap.
As a matter of fact, Allen is the No. 3 free agent in Pro Football Focus's top 100 list and there will be a robust demand for his services if he happens to sniff the open market. That's why the Jaguars will give him a monster deal, which in turn will make it difficult to go after Burns or Hunter, who will also command premium compensation.
A more affordable, yet productive, option is Dorance Armstrong, who's fared well in a rotational role for the Dallas Cowboys. A fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft, it took Armstrong a bit to hit his stride but he's logged 18.5 sacks alongside Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence the past three years.
Armstrong's flexibility to line up at defensive tackle or on the edge would be an asset in Jacksonville. On top of that, inking him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive, which would in turn allow the Jaguars to target other needs in free agency.
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