Free agency is probably the answer
When considering all of the facts that have been laid out, it’s looking like the Jags will be hoping for a starting-caliber tight end in free agency, where there are some rather intriguing options. The three names we’ve previously mentioned on this site are Indy’s Eric Ebron, Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers and Austin Hooper of the Atlanta Falcons.
When looking at bringing in any of the three individuals, there are some pros and cons that could come with signing them. The most obvious for Henry is his health. He was limited to just 12 games in 2019 and missed all of 2018 with an ACL injury.
For a team that has a terrible history with tight end injuries and has been burned in free agency with unhealthy gambles, it’s hard to imagine Caldwell putting his faith in Henry this offseason. However, if there is one small reason Henry could be signed by the Jags it’s the simple fact that he could come at a discounted rate. Still, I’d say the gamble there may be one Caldwell isn’t willing to take, especially after saying he wants to be “smart” with the team’s approach this offseason.
For me, that leaves Ebron and Hooper as the Jags’ top best options.
When looking at Hooper’s career, he’s been quite productive and will be coming off a career-high of 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns. Another tidbit worth pointing out (courtesy of ESPN) is the fact that only five tight ends have more catches than him since he was drafted (2014) — those players being Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, Jimmy Graham, and Kyle Rudolph.
If he hits the market (which feels like a 60% to 70% chance), he’ll probably exceed the league’s top tight end contract in terms of annual pay. For the Jags, that might be a steep price to pay, even with the possibility to free up $35 million to $46 million soon. However, Caldwell may be intrigued by the résumé Hooper has built with his former boss, Thomas Dimitroff, over in Atlanta. For this reason, and a better health record, I think it’s more likely that he’d prefer Hooper over Henry but possibly not over Ebron, which brings me to my next topic.
Ebron is a player the Jags are very familiar with due to his time with their division rivals in the Colts. While with them, he put together the best season of his career in 2018, racking up 66 receptions, 750 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Last year, unfortunately, didn’t go nearly as well with him registering only 375 yards and three touchdowns. He eventually ended the season on IR, had season-ending ankle surgery, and the Colts eventually came out to say they were going to likely move on.
With him being the most probable to hit the market of the names we’ve mentioned, the Jags could be intrigued. However, the status of his ankle will be something they would have to investigate. They also might want someone who offers more as a blocker. Then again, if they are looking for a pure receiver, then Ebron might be their guy.