Super Bowl LV has come and gone, which means the 2021 NFL offseason is officially here for all 32 teams. With the worst record of the 2020 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have the most work to do in terms of roster additions during the process.
For every team in the league, the process of roster additions will begin in free agency. With approximately $77.5 million in available cap space ready to be utilize, the Jags can make multiple key additions and fans should expect them to be quite active as Urban Meyer wants to begin winning as soon as possible.
In a recent article, ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler previewed the top-50 players of the 2021 free agency class and listed the best fits for each player. Of the group, three were deemed as top fits for the Jags, including a multiple time veteran Pro Bowler on the blindside in tackle Trent Williams.
2. Trent Williams, OT
Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
San Francisco tried to re-sign Williams before the regular season but might have missed the window. After a stellar year in the Bay, Williams is eyeing top-shelf tackle money. If he goes to the highest bidder, Jacksonville needs just about everything and has $74 million in cap space. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is a start, though Williams might want to sign with a contender.
With Trevor Lawrence coming to town, Williams has been a popular name in Jacksonville. The reason for that is because Cam Robinson’s contract has expired and the Jags have to decide on what to do at left tackle. That said, Williams would be a significant upgrade on the blindside, but will be 33 years old when the season starts.
In addition to Williams’ age, he’s going to come with a hefty price tag, too. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and former second-team all-pro who isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, so if the Jags really want to protect Trevor Lawrence, Williams would be a good player to have a conversation about come March. However, the bigger question may be whether he hits the market or not, and as Fowler pointed out, his willingness to play for a team that doesn’t necessarily have the look of a contender at the moment.
As for the other two fits, Fowler slotted the Jags two players who played for Meyer in college in Curtis Samuel and Cam Newton.
27. Curtis Samuel, WR
Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
Urban Meyer recruited Samuel to Ohio State and once considered him his best playmaker since Percy Harvin. A reunion seems natural, as Meyer could use Samuel — more playmaker than elite route runner — all over the field. Samuel will be coveted as a slightly cheaper alternative to the top of the market. Also watch for the 49ers here. They love this style of player.
49. Cam Newton, QB
Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
Look, Newton’s cold market last year clearly outlined where the NFL stood with him. He then threw eight touchdowns in 15 games and ranked 30th in ESPN QBR (47.0) while playing on a one-year, $1.75 million contract. Expecting a robust starter’s market for Newton at this stage, after all the injuries, isn’t realistic, and there’s not a clear-cut home if New England doesn’t bring him back. Maybe Washington or someone with familiarity will take a chance.
Otherwise, reuniting with Urban Meyer, his Florida coach, for a season as Trevor Lawrence’s backup isn’t the worst thing.
Anyone who knows Meyer could see him adding Samuel’s speed into the Jags’ offense for Lawrence. However, as we’ve mentioned in the past, the 2021 free agency class could be strong at receiver if you are looking for a player closer to No. 1 or No. 2 status. The group could include Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, Will Fuller IV, and Chris Godwin amongst others. Golladay, in particular, could be intriguing as he was coached by Jags offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell from 2019-20.
With Newton, the Jags would be solidifying their quarterback group and could have arguably one of the better signal-caller situations if Lawrence translates. The veteran has started in 139 career games and has played in the Super Bowl, which means if a team lands him as a QB2, they are getting one of the best options available.
The only issue with Fowler’s thoughts on Newton is that I’m not fully convinced there isn’t a place for him to start, though the options are limited. However, one team that comes to mind is the Washington Football Team as they have Newton’s former head coach and positions coach there in Ron Rivera and Scott Turner. If Newton can’t land anywhere as a QB1, though, Jacksonville could be on his radar, especially when considering it would put him close to his hometown of Atlanta.