Heading into the 2023 NFL season, Trent Baalke and the rest of the front office have set the Jaguars up for success. But like many of the best teams in the league, the Jaguars are constantly looking to improve. To see some improvement in the Jaguars roster, Baalke and the Jaguars can look at some of these Jaguars trade targets to take their team to the next level.
The Blockbuster Jaguars Trade Target: Danielle Hunter, OLB, Minnesota Vikings
Jaguars Receive Danielle Hunter in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick
Danielle Hunter is an intriguing player and one that’s been on the minds of many fanbases since he requested a trade from the Minnesota Vikings. Hunter is only 28 years old and would solidify a Jaguars pass rush that is in need of some help. Even though recently Doug Pederson has expressed his desire to look internally for improvement at pass rusher, the Jaguars are still looking for an improvement, and Hunter would be the perfect fit.
Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Hunter has shown his pass-rushing prowess for years, accruing 71 sacks and 112 QB hits in his career. Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks four times in his seven-year career while also never falling below six sacks in a season. His productivity rushing the passer is what makes him the most intriguing Jaguars trade target.
From Inside Minicamps LIVE on NFL+: The #Vikings are receiving trade calls centered around star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, and the interest is real, sources say. A look inside the complex situation… pic.twitter.com/GKx98NSx0n
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 7, 2023
The compensation might be steep for this Jaguars trade target, as Hunter is a high-quality pass rusher. But for a Jaguars team that’s projected to make the playoffs by many covering the NFL, spending assets on a core player on their defense will be instrumental in taking a step toward postseason success.
Jaguars Trade Target – Noah Igbinoghene, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins
Jaguars acquire Noah Igbinoghene in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick.
Staying on the defensive side of the ball, another clear Jaguars trade target is cornerback. Tyson Campbell showed immense amount of promise in 2022, but there’s a lot more of the field that needs to be covered. The rest of the cornerback room isn’t terrible. Darious Williams, Tre Herndon, and rookie Christian Braswell highlight a decent group. But there’s still a need for another cornerback, whether it’s a starter or depth.
Noah Igbinoghene is an option at cornerback, one that could fill either that starter or depth role. For many players, fans and media alike will point to them needing a change of scenery to play better. While it doesn’t always work out like that, when a player has enough promise to go in the first round of the NFL draft, it’s worth taking a shot.
Losing a sixth-round pick to take a chance on a former first-rounder is well worth it. Igbinoghene is a cheap, available, and young Jaguars trade target that fits a need and can contribute. Who knows if a change in scenery will help Igbinoghene showcase his talent, but for a sixth-round pick in a draft where the Jaguars have nearly a dozen, it’s not a lot to give up.
Jaguars Trade Target – Ezra Cleveland, Offensive Guard, Minnesota Vikings
Jaguars receive Ezra Cleveland in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Ezra Cleveland would immediately provide help to a Jaguars offensive line that could be in a bad position heading into 2023. Tyler Shatley and Ben Bartch are in a competition to become the starter at left guard. But whether they prove to be starting-caliber players, Cleveland would be an upgrade to both their depth and starter across the offensive line.
A deal for Ezra Cleveland would not cost a lot, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. Even with his position listed as a guard, Cleveland would help the Jaguars across the entire offensive line by providing depth and ability at guard and even at offensive tackle. This Jaguars trade target could help bolster an offensive line that is tasked with protecting the best quarterback the Jaguars have ever had at a cheap cost.