The Jacksonville Jaguars may be working on re-signing its own free agents, however there are still holes to fill on the 53-man roster. The team does not have the Brinks truck to spend on top stars like it did last season, but there could be enough cash to fill some needs, especially on the offensive line and at tight end.
Despite bringing Marcedes Lewis back for another season, the tight end position is in need of a playmaker. There should be options on the open market, where players will see the Jaguars as a team on the rise, where there is no state income tax in the state of Florida and playing in an offense that was ranked in the top 10 in 2017, could be appealing.
Mark Andrews, Dallas Goedert and Hayden Hurst are the top targets available in the draft.
There are other needs as well. The offensive line, which was better in 2017, still needs more beef on the interior. AJ Cann played well at times, but the team could still use an upgrade. The same could be said on the left side where guard Patrick Omameh is set to become a free agent. He played well, but was not dominant. The Jaguars did lead the league in rushing last season, but the numbers over the second half of 2017 were deceiving.
There are also rumors the Jaguars may release right tackle Jermey Parnell. Look for the Jaguars to look at free agents, but the team could very well use the 29th pick in the first round of the NFL to address the position. Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame could be available. So could guard Will Hernandez of UTEP.
If we are discussing the Jaguars’ need strictly through free agency, here are three names to consider on March 14 when free agency begins.
Josh Sitton – The former Chicago Bears guard will be available and could be the Jaguars’ top target. Sitton was born in Jacksonville and played college ball at UCF. He was a fourth-round pick of Green Bay in 2008. If the offensive line is the team’s top priority in free agency, you have to figure Sitton’s name is at the top of the list.
“I am planning on playing and hitting free agency and continuing to play at a high level,” Sitton said. “I believe I have prime years left.”
The Jaguars are one of the many teams out there who hope at 31 years old he still has plenty left in the tank.
Trey Burton – The tight end who made many great plays at the University of Florida could come home and make many great plays for the Jaguars. The undrafted tight end has been playing for the Philadelphia Eagles where he has played second fiddle to Zach Ertz.
Burton is 26 years old and is still young enough to grow with this team, to make an impact and eventually replace Lewis in the lineup. He should command a strong pursuit from many teams in free agency.
Per sportingnews.com, there are at least 16 teams that have shown interest in Burton, which could make him one of the most sought after players in two weeks.
Donte Moncrief – Regardless of whether the team signs Allen Robinson to a long-term deal or slaps the franchise tag on its best wide receiver, the Jaguars need another pass catcher at a position that could be in transition.
Marqise Lee figures to test free agency. Allen Hurns may be released if he does not restructure his contract. Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook are the future at this position. But the team needs a solid No. 2 set of hands.
Moncrief has not been the dynamic pass catcher the Indianapolis Colts envisioned when they drafted him in 2014. Now, with a change of scenery, he might reach his full potential. There will be teams moving in to sign him this month, with the New Orleans Saints a potential destination.
Nigel Bradham – The linebacker will be welcomed here in Jacksonville. The Jaguars do not figure to re-sign Paul Posluszny (sorry, Mom). The veteran will be missed for his leadership on and off the field. Bradham would be a younger, faster replacement to go along with Myles Jack and Telvin Smith.
In each of the last two seasons, Bradham led the team in tackles (102 in 2016, 88 in 2017), while also contributing 13 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 sacks, and an INT during that span.
It’s that kind of production the Jaguars could use to make a great defense even better.