By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire
JACKSONVILLE –It’s free-agent frenzy time, and what will the Jaguars do? They will need to be active, as the landscape in the AFC South has changed with the rise of the Texans and Colts.
For starters, they have placed the franchise tag on linebacker/edge rusher Josh Allen. It was the right move, as GM Trent Baalke continues to work out a long-term deal for the serving Allen. If the Jags are to take the next step, Allen has to be a prime part of it.
They have signed guard Ezra Cleveland, who they acquired from Cleveland last year, and safety Daniel Thomas.
In case you missed it, the Jages did release safety Rashawn Jenkins, defensive lineman Foloruno Fatusaki, and corner Darious Williams. With the signing of Cleveland and Thomas, that left their cap in the vicinity of $20 million with the restructuring of some contracts, notably offensive lineman Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson.
One glaring spot the Jags need to address is kicker where incumbent Brandon McManus is an unrestricted free agent. McManus was spot on for the most, but he had some trouble down the stretch. Still, McManus has proven he can make a difference.
If the team can’t negotiate a deal, veteran Nick Folk is on the market. Folk, who always has been a favorite of mine from his Jets’ days, has the highest percentage of kicks made over the last four years.
Then there’s the case of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who apparently has found a new home in Jacksonville. It’s apparent the Jags want him back, but they will wait until after the new year officially begins Wednesday to begin the process. It was the difference between a second- and a third-round pick to the Falcons.
With Tampa’s Mike Evans and Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins recently receiving contract extensions with their teams, Ridley could be in high demand, and it will come down to him truly wanting to stay in Jacksonville.
Heading into last season, the secondary problem appeared to be solved, but issues surfaced again.
With the release of Jenkins and Williams, it’s apparent the Jags need an upgrade. Some of the prominent names on the market are Buffalo’s Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, Miamis’ Eli Apple, and former Jag and Panther Shaquill Griffin.
The Dolphins and corner Xaixer Howard appear to be parting ways, but the Dolphins would save roughly $18.5 million under the cap by releasing him after June 1. At 31, Howard still has enough in the tank, and the Jags may want to take a look there.
The Jags also presumably have inquired about cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was franchised by the Chiefs. Sneed would immediately cement a hole, but he would require a second-round pick, and his contract is north of $20 million. Still, he would be well worth it.
On an unorthodox play, how would you feel if the Jags could work out a deal for Derrick Henry? The former Titan has rushed for 1,569 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in 15 games against the Jags, more than any other team.
The 30-year-old has rushed for 9,502 career yards, and he has been a workhorse back. He could complement Travis Etienne well and allow Etienne to be more effective swinging out of the backfield.
Henry has been linked to Cincinnati, Philadelphia, or Houston as likely landing spots. But Jags’ head coach Doug Pederson has liked a multi-back backfield in the past, and it would be a plum pick for the jags if they would work it out.
Beginning Monday, we’ll know where the Jags are headed. Their needs are real and glaring.
What seemed like their division to rule, the AFC South had developed into an anticipated struggle that they will need to begin to address over the next few weeks.
The Texans and Colts certainly will.
