Jaguars: There's a big problem with team's pending 'top priority'
The Jacksonville Jaguars have one big need still before the 2023 season starts, but there is an even bigger problem that lies within that need. The Jaguars still need to address some things, which is pretty obvious when you look at what they have done in the offseason. When you compare last year's offseason to […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars have one big need still before the 2023 season starts, but there is an even bigger problem that lies within that need.
The Jaguars still need to address some things, which is pretty obvious when you look at what they have done in the offseason. When you compare last year's offseason to this one, this one can come off as somewhat boring. For the Jagaurs standards, they made splash plays last summer.
This summer has been almost the opposite. They had a good draft, but the free agency period was underwhelming. They signed five new players and re-signed five players. D'Ernest Johnson, Michael Dogbe, Henry Mondeaux, Josh Wells, and Chandler Brewer are all of the new Jaguars we will see in 2023.
So, as you can see, the team could have done much better. But, there is still time. One NFL analyst lets fans know what their team's biggest need is before the 2023 season starts, but, as we said before, there is still one big issue with that.
Top priority: Unearth a pass rusher The warp-speed growth of Trevor Lawrence makes it easy to forget how much help is needed on defense. Jacksonville's Josh Allen-led front notched the seventh-fewest sacks in 2022, but it barely addressed the need beyond snagging fourth-round edge Tyler Lacy out of Oklahoma State. Why not make a run at free agent Frank Clark? And yes, you could make a case for an equal need at cornerback following the release of Shaquill Griffin. –Marc Sessler, NFL
The Jaguars could definitely add some more pass rushers in free agency, as they have $9 million in effective cap space. That is enough to sign a pass rusher, but at the same time, who is out there that you really want to spend that kind of money on?
Frank Clark was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs to save them $21 million in cap space, so he was on a pretty big contract. He may not want $9 million for one year or however long, and that wouldn't likely be what the Jaguars offer him anyways. Other than him, the other option is Yannick Ngakoue, who was here previously, and he may not want to come back.
If you look at who Over the Cap has left as free agents at the position, all of the guys you would want that are available will cost more than the Jaguars have. That is where the real issue is. Guys like Leonard Floyd, Robert Quinn, Jadeveon Clowney, and even Shelby Harris won't take less than $9 million and some won't take the nine.
The Jaguars have found themselves in a rut.
