[Editor’s note: This preview was originally published on Feb. 26, 2017, and updated on March 6 to reflect changes in the market do to franchise tags, re-signings, cuts, etc.]
What you need to know
The Jaguars enter free agency with multiple needs and more than enough cap space to pursue some of the biggest names available. They’ve wasted little time making moves, cutting DE Jared Odrick, a one-time big-money free agent signing that didn’t work out. They have also reportedly made a pair of trades, one sending TE Julius Thomas to the Dolphins, and another acquiring T Branden Albert from the same team.
Salary cap room
$76,486,043 (third in NFL; as of 3/6/17)
Biggest needs
- Guard
- Edge defender
- Safety
- Cornerback
Notable free agents
- Prince Amukamara, CB, 76.6 overall grade in 2016
- Johnathan Cyprien, S, 87.8
- Tyson Alualu, DI, 47.0
Must re-sign
Prince Amukamara, CB, 76.6 overall grade in 2016
“Must re-sign” is such a strong term, but the Jaguars could do worse than hold on to Amukamara as their second cornerback, opposite Jalen Ramsey. Amukamara earned a 76.6 overall grade in 2016, his fifth straight year with a grade in the 75-79.5 range. The alternative would be to let Amukamara move on and seek an upgrade, but each of the top free agent corners comes with risk attached, and they will be expensive.
Dream splash
Kevin Zeitler, G, Cincinnati Bengals, 87.1
A five-year veteran, Zeitler is one of the better guards in football and arguably the best offensive lineman expected to hit free agency. He posted overall grades of 86.4, 86.0 and 87.1 in the past three seasons, respectively, and has graded well as both run-blocker and pass protector. His consistency, and his age profile, at just 27, combine to make Zeitler a highly desirable free agent.
Top 2017 free agency prospects
Kevin Zeitler, G, Cincinnati Bengals, 87.1
He may be a “dream signing,” but the Jaguars have more than enough cap space to turn dreams into reality. That should allow the team to make a serious run at their top offensive line target, whether or not that is Zeitler.
Logan Ryan, CB, New England Patriots, 83.5
If Amukamara walks in free agency, then the Jaguars will be looking for a replacement as their No. 2 corner, and Ryan would offer an upgrade. Ryan earned an 83.5 overall grade in 2016, building on a solid 81.6 grade in 2015. He has been exposed at times, but makes up for that with his ability to get his hands on the ball, having forced 27 pass disruptions (seven of them interceptions) over the past two seasons.
Jabaal Sheard, EDGE, New England Patriots
While the Jaguars have a pair of young pass-rushers in Dante Fowler and Yannick Ngakoue, they could stand to add more experience and production to the position. Sheard would certainly bring that, having generated 14 sacks and 96 total QB pressures over the past two seasons, while remaining solid against the run. He is also scheme and position versatile, so should suit the Jaguars whether they keep the variant 4-3 scheme they ran under Gus Bradley, or revert to a more traditional form of the 4-3 front.
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