Ranking the top Jaguars players set to become free agents in 2024 by importance
Ranking No. 2 Jaguars player set to become a free agent in 2024: Josh Allen, OLB
Many Jaguars defenders underperformed during Urban Meyer's short stint but they were expected to bounce back last year. One of those players was outside linebacker Josh Allen, one of the team's most respected leaders on and off the field, and he kind of did.
The former Kentucky Wildcat registered 7.5 sacks and racked up pressures at a high rate in 2022, finishing seventh among edge rushers in the league. He also made several important plays, including the scooped fumble he took to the house against the Tennessee Titans in the finale.
That victory sparked a late-season win streak. In the final minutes of the regular season, the Jags’ defense came through once again.
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2023
Rayshawn Jenkins forced a fumble on the Titans which Josh Allen ran in for a TD. The Jaguars were division champs. pic.twitter.com/GyBkkzIP5j
On the other hand, Allen could have made even more plays last year. He recently told the media that his individual growth wasn't good enough, which might be a reason the Jaguars exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie deal in 2022 but won't give him a long-term deal just yet.
A first-round pick in 2019, Allen registered 10.5 sacks as a rookie but has logged 17 over the last three seasons. It's true that a knee injury limited him to just eight games in 2020 and he's having to deal with the lack of stability the Jaguars have had over the last few years.
Working in Allen's favor is that he'll be in the same defensive scheme for the first time since 2020 and that continuity could help him reach his potential. And if he does, the Jaguars won't mind giving him a top-market deal. For the time being though, they're taking a wait-and-see approach.