Early glimpse at Jaguars 3 biggest needs for the 2024 offseason
• The CB group could need an preemptive boost
• Jacksonville could be in the market for pass rushers in 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars did a good job of fortifying their roster and adding depth in the offseason. However, loading up on talent is a yearly task due to salary cap rules. For the sake of argument, let's say you addressed a need this year but one of your playmakers will hit the open market next season and you will not be able to keep him., You will probably need to look for this replacement in either free agency or the draft.
Fortunately for the Jags, they have a solid mix of young and veterans on their roster right now. Moreover, they should be able to retain their top players set to become free agents in 2024. Having said that, they will need to have a contingency plan for the next three positions, which could be their biggest needs next offseason.
No. 3 early need for the Jaguars in 2024: Inside offensive line
Ben Bartch is currently recovering from a knee injury he suffered last year, which led the Jaguars to place him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list. The team's brass will most likely give a potential timeline for his recovery during training camp but there's a chance he'll be ready for the season opener.
In the meantime, Veteran Tyler Shatley can fill in for Bartch, so it doesn't look like the left guard stop will be a cause for concern in 2023. However, it may become precisely that next offseason. See, both Bartch and Shatley are entering contract years and the Jags might prioritize re-signing players such as outside Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Although Shatley has started 30 games over the last three years, he's been a reserve throughout his career, so bringing him back wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. The issue is that he's currently 32 and Jacksonville might want to bring him someone younger to groom into their primary backup on the interior offensive line. On the other hand, Bartch has shown starting potential but if he has a productive season, the Jags might not be able to fit him into next year's budget.
In the end, the Jags could find themselves looking to replace their starting left guard and their top backup in the interior. However you look at it, that's not an ideal situation to be in next season. The silver lining is that either rookie Cooper Hodges or Cole Van Lanen could develop into a suitable replacement for Shatley, but even then, the Jags will need to bolster their offensive trenches next year.