Remaining veteran free-agent could give Jaguars insurance at cornerback

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to take a cornerback early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they could also opt to prioritize other positions. If they do, signing veteran Adoree' Jackson would become a possibility. Jackson is currently a free agent and could give the Jags an immediate boost at the position.

Matt Holder put together a list of one free agent each NFL team should sign and says Jacksonville is a fit for Jackson. He acknowledges that the Jags just brought in Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby but Jackson's versatility to play inside and outside could come in handy.

"While the Jaguars have already made a couple of additions to their secondary this offseason by bringing in Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage, they could still use another cornerback and one who has the versatility to cover the slot.

Antonio Johnson is currently slated for that role but last year's fifth-round pick is rather inexperienced after only getting171 snaps as a rookie."

For the sake of clarity, Savage will be lining up in the slot, and sophomore Antonio Johnson will move to safety, his natural position. That said, Jackson offers plenty of experience at the position.

A first-round pick in 2017, Jackson spent his four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans and signed with the New York Giants in 2021. In 83 games, he's registered 65 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. When healthy, the former USC Trojan is a serveable starter. As recently as 2022, he posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 72.2 while allowing 11.7 yards per reception. The year before, he gave up 8.9 yards per reception.

The trouble, as Holder pointed out, is that Jackson has had trouble staying healthy. In 2020, a knee injury limited him to just three games, and he missed a total of 13 the past three years.

Adoree' Jackson could help the Jaguars, but they can wait to sign him

All things considered, signing Adoree' Jackson would be a solid depth move with minimal risk. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars shouldn't expect more than that from him. Maybe this is the year he finally manages to stay healthy, but that's something the Jaguars cannot bet on. Nevertheless, he would be a solid CB4 behind Ronald Darby, Tyson Campbell, and Darnell Savage, especially if he signs for the veteran minimum.

But as appealing as signing Jackson would be, the Jaguars don't have to make a decision right now. The draft is around the corner and they could add depth in the later rounds. Moreover, they're going to be in a position to take one of the top prospects at No. 17. If that's the route they take, bringing Jackson in would probably be unnecessary.

Conversely, it would make sense to ink Jackson if the Jags are unable to land the prospects they're targeting early in the draft. For his part, he would get a chance to rehabilitate his stock while playing for defensive backs coach Kris Richard, who's known for getting the most out of his players.

In the end, it's hard to see the Jaguars signing Adoree' Jackson before the draft. However, it would most definitely make sense to give him a call if they miss out on the draft prospects they like or in case the injury bug strikes in the summer.

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