If there were any doubts the Jacksonville Jaguars were a serious contender this season, there shouldn't be any left after they dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10 on the road. They now hold the best record in the AFC and heading into their BYE with a 6-2 record, the best one they've posted since 1999. But as good as the Jags have been, they should still consider trading for a pass rusher before the Tuesday deadline.
Even though outside linebacker Josh Allen is having a breakout year and Travon Walker, the first overall pick in 2022, has made strides, the Jags could still make upgrades to their pass rush. It's true that they just got defensive DaVon Hamilton back and defensive end Dawuane Smoot should keep getting better after returning in Week 7. However, having Young or even Uche in the mix could increase the Jaguars' chances of making a deep playoff push.
Before Week 8, they ranked 22nd in the league with 16 sacks. Although sacks aren't the only way to measure a team's pass rush success, you'll probably agree that a sack tends to have a bigger impact than a quarterback pressure. After all, a quarterback can still make a play even if he's pressured. Meanwhile, a sack ends a play and generates negative yardage.
By trading for Young, the Jaguars would get a bookend pass rusher opposite Josh Allen. Also, defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell would have the flexibility to deploy Travon Walker in a three-point stance, where he's the most effective.
Before the regular season, Jacksonville made several attempts to bolster their pass rush. They hosted Jadaveon Clowney for a visit and showed interest in reuniting with Yannick Ngakoue before the NFL Draft. Moreover, they explored a potential trade for Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.
The Vikes are no longer expected to move Hunter unless they get an offer that blows their mind. However, Josh Uche and Chase Young could still be available.
Why the Jacksonville Jaguars should pound the table for Chase Young
Chase Young has been the subject of trade talks for several months already. Insider Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report thinks clubs could get him for a second or third-round pick. Also, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says there's a rumor floating around the NFL landscape that the Chicago Bears are interested in acquiring Young. Again, this is a rumor but if Florio is entertaining it, there may be some smoke to this fire.
For the sake of argument, let's say the Washington Commanders are asking for a second-round pick. The Jags could meet that price even though they already have a conditional pick attached to wide receiver Calvin Ridley. It figures to be a third-round pick in 2024 but it could become a second if he signs a contract extension.
This could complicate a trade for Young but it wouldn't be impossible. They could offer a couple of third-round picks to Washington, one next year and one in 2025. The second one could turn into a second one if certain conditions are met.
On top of parting ways with future assets, the Jaguars would most likely need to give Chase Young a new contract but it would be worth it. After all, he's bounced back after a couple of injured-plagued seasons. He has five sacks this season and has one of the best win rates among pass rushers in the league.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars already have a good team in place but adding Chase Young to the mix wouldn't hurt. Quite the opposite.
Josh Uche is another great option for the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline
If the Washington Commanders aren't planning on trading Chase Young or another team outbids the Jacksonville Jaguars, Josh Uche could then become plan B. Uche, a second-round pick by the New England Patriots, isn't nearly as good as Young but he too has been brought up as a potential trade target before the deadline.
Although Uche is a much better pass rusher than a run-stopper, he would be a good fit in Jacksonville. Mina Kimes of ESPN certainly believes so. The Jaguars excel at taking away their opponents' running game. In Week 8, they limited Pittsburgh to 70 rushing yards and were forced to turn to the pass to try to win the game.
Would love this for a team that needs help rushing the passer, but doesn’t need run defense… https://t.co/mjNYYFYd9S pic.twitter.com/xlKXBe7WEK
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 28, 2023
When teams become one-dimensional, it presents lots of opportunities for pass rushers to get after the quarterback. That's where the Jaguars could use some help. Josh Uche might be better suited for a reserve role than a feature one. If Jacksonville traded for him, Travon Walker and Josh Allen would still be at the top of the depth chart but Uche could serve as a rotational piece that spells them from time to time and ensures they both remain fresh throughout the game.
Moreover, Uche would be a bit (or considerably?) cheaper to get than Chase Young. He could probably be had for a third or fourth-round pick, maybe a fourth and a sixth. Even if he doesn't sign a contract extension in Jacksonville, he would be a good one-year rental that could propel the Jags into the AFC championship or even further.
In the end, Jacksonville Jaguars don't have to trade for a pass rusher in the trade deadline but they should at least give it a thought.