With the NFL Draft now behind us and rookie minicamp in full swing this weekend in Jacksonville, the focus for the Jaguars now turns towards even more towards the 2026 season.

And so, with Jacksonville having a free agency period and draft to cure their ails from a successful first season under head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone, the question is, what remains to be dealt with in order to maximize the Jaguars’ chances of taking another step forward this fall?

According to ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz, the primary area of concern is Jacksonville’s pass rush depth.

ESPN says Jaguars’ biggest remaining roster need is edge rusher depth

“Jacksonville needs a veteran rotational edge rusher behind starters Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen,” Schatz wrote. “The third edge rusher is B.J. Green II, a 2025 UDFA, who had two sacks as a rookie. The other rotational edge rusher will be 2026 fourth-rounder Wesley Williams.

“Yes, Arik Armstead could sometimes kick out to the edge, but the Jaguars need to consider the same veteran free agent edge rushers who are listed above for their rivals in Houston.”

Reserve EDGEs Green and Danny Striggow didn’t provide too much off the edge in the way of pressure last year. In limited opportunities, each generated just seven pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who re-signed with the team this offseason, had 25 pressures in only 135 pass rushing snaps (good for a healthy 18.5% pressure rate) in a situational role.

So, the opportunity for Williams could be there to carve out a role if he can hit the ground running. That being said, the suggestion by Schatz to pursue the same targets he listed for Houston are tough to justify for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville isn’t in position to spend heavily on a top free agent pass rusher

“The Texans are the perfect landing spot for a veteran pass rusher who can play a rotational role, whether that’s Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa or Leonard Floyd. Barnett and Autry are also still unsigned,” Schatz wrote about the Texans.

The problem for the Jaguars is fit and money. Jacksonville ranks 25th in available salary cap space at $10.2 million, per Over The Cap. Their effective cap space (i.e., after paying rookie contracts) is $7.8 million.

Does it make sense to spend significant dollars on a player who wouldn’t start over your incumbent EDGE duo? No. Does it make sense to spend almost all of your available free agency budget to address a backup position? Again, no.

Jacksonville should have their eyes on the waiver wire/transaction report from now through the preseason in search of a cap casualty or a promising player who’s squeezed out by a numbers game.