The Jacksonville Jaguars pretty much know who their quarterback of the future will be in Trevor Lawrence, however, it will be a matter of building around him. That not only applies to adding pieces to the offense but the defense as well.
With the Jags going 1-15 last season, it’s expected that they will be big spenders in free agency to kickstart their journey to improve. They will lead the league in cap space with $77.5 million, so they should be able to add some of the best available veterans on the market.
Spotrac recently posted an article that predicts where the most notable names on the market to go and the Jags were able to make three big additions. Those additions were receiver Allen Robinson, safety Marcus Williams, and tailback James Conner.
Of the three, Robinson’s contract was easily the most expensive and was a five-year deal worth $100 million.
Robinson’s potential has been suppressed by the QB & play calling in Chicago over the past few seasons. While a franchise tag is likely coming, a trade and subsequent extension could soon follow. Look for both the 49ers, Jets & Jaguars to be heavily interested here.
BEST GUESS: Jacksonville
While the guarantees weren’t provided, this deal is the same as Amari Cooper’s, which includes $40 million in full guarantees. The Jags may have to top that amount a little, but getting Robinson back in a Jags uniform is achievable if he believes in their outlook.
Robinson may be the most popular potential free-agent name in the eyes of Jags fans, as many feel he should’ve been retained in 2018. His presence undoubtedly has been missed, however, he’d complement D.J. Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. well, both of whom were added after his departure.
Williams’ contract was the next one listed, and the team was able to iron out a five-year $68 million deal to make it happen.
There isn’t a weak spot in Williams’ game right now, and at just 24 years old, he’s just entering his prime in the league. The Saints will have a helluva time to make the numbers work to keep him, but they’re certainly trying.
BEST GUESS: Jacksonville
This deal is along the lines of Kevin Byard’s extension, which was for five years and is worth $70.5 million overall. Unlike Byard, the Jags may have to fully guarantee more than $19.6 million, but again, the money is there if they need it.
Adding Williams would address a huge need for the Jags. They were heavily affected by injuries at safety, but even when they had good health at the position, many of their options looked more like special teamers. Williams would be a significant upgrade over any player on the roster after accumulating a 79.3 grade via Pro Football Focus.
Lastly, Conner’s deal was a two-year deal for $10 million.
He comps best to Kareem Hunt right now, and that type of shared solution seems to make best for Conner’s next chapter. Sticking him with James Robinson seems a nice fit.
BEST GUESS: Jacksonville
As mentioned above, this deal is similar to Kareem Hunt’s and could guarantee around $5 million to $6 million. That said, this is the one player of the three it’s hard to imagine the Jags going for in free agency because they need more of a speed option to pair with James Robinson. The Jags would come out a lot cheaper in the draft finding that and could find a healthier player, too, by waiting until April.
Conner’s addition aside, Spotrac’s roundup would be a win for the Jags and doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibilities. If they could land Williams and Robinson, or two high-priced names in general, they may look to add another pricey starter from the open market, but it’s just hard to say right now.
Regardless, next month should be an exciting time if the Jags play their cards right, and significant progress could be made as far as the roster goes.