3 Potential Free Agents for the Jacksonville Jaguars

After a huge step in the right direction in 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to continue to capitalize on the weak AFC South. Looking at the available free agents at this point in the offseason can be very underwhelming, but the depth and serviceable veterans could be the difference in games. There is a common theme between the majority of my choices, backup roles with heavy experience.

Three Potential Free Agents for the Jacksonville Jaguars

A culture shift in the Jaguars locker room this past season jolted them into a playoff appearance, eventually having one of the most legendary comebacks of all time; sustaining that level of success can be difficult for a young roster. With the new foundation being set, these veterans could be the best mentors for the future.

Carson Wentz

The reunion with head coach Doug Pederson could be exactly what Wentz needs to prolong his career. As long as Wentz is willing to be a veteran presence in the locker room, with his playing success seeming further and further away, he could make a huge impact on Trevor Lawrence. The current quarterback room has C.J. Beathard behind Lawrence, and this move provides some extra upside if we see an injury to the young star.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), Wentz “wants and intends” to play in the NFL this upcoming season and is waiting for the right situation, whether that be accepting a backup role or competing for a job that is unknown as of right now, but I believe there is undeniable value in having a quality backup quarterback.

Cameron Brate

Former Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate (84) – Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars tight end room is thin, headlined by Evan Engram, who is not the true in-line tight end. The Jaguars roster was the third youngest roster in the league in 2022; without having continued success at the professional level, Brate provides that. The past few seasons Brate has spent in Tampa Bay, with modest numbers, but ultimately working with some of the greatest players in the history of the game.

In a press conference from last year, Brate was asked about the different roles he has been in as a player in this league; he said: “Obviously, there was a bunch of mistakes today but you don’t expect them to go out there and execute 100 percent; but I was telling young guys just make your mistakes now just don’t make the same mistake twice”. Providing this outlook of positivity in the locker room helps provide the young guys with confidence that does not go unnoticed.

Jadeveon Clowney

Former Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney (90) – Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars need passing rushing upside, simple as that. The former number-one overall pick, Clowney has bounced around a few teams in the past couple of years, but 2021 was a pretty solid season for him. Just two tears removed from a 9.0 sack and 19 quarterback hit season, the once again veteran presence could impact the defensive line.

Jacksonville as a team last year had 35 sacks in total, which was 7th worst in the entire league. The team needs bodies to get into the backfield, 12th in rush yards allowed but ranked 28th in pass yards allowed, which has to partially be from a lack of pressure. If you sign Clowney to a ‘prove it’ deal and he exceeds the expectations, great; if not, no harm done.

I absolutely love the state of the Jaguars heading into the 2023 NFL season and would be comfortable going in with the current roster they have, but a few veteran signings could put them over the teams with the new face of the franchise quarterbacks in the AFC South. Trevor Lawrence could have this team making a run toward contention in the near future.