What Are We Hearing About the Jaguars' Offseason Before Free Agency?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing one of the most important offseasons in some time.
Not only are the Jaguars nearing the end of Trevor Lawrence's rookie deal, but they are fresh off a disappointing 9-8 season that saw them miss out on the playoffs after a disastrous losing streak over the final six games.
On top of that, two of the Jaguars' best players -- Josh Allen and Calvin Ridley -- are pending free agents.
On top of that, the Jaguars are transitioning to a new defensive scheme and have short- and long-term depth question marks at cornerback and edge rusher.
And on top of that, the Jaguars have an offensive line that could see three different starters -- Cam Robinson, Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff -- either hit free agency or stay with the team.
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
There are, obviously, a lot of moving pieces with the Jaguars' offseason. And with free agency set to begin on March 13 and the franchise tag window opening from Feb. 20 to March 5, there are a lot of moves set to take place over the next month.
To prepare for the busy weeks approaching, here is what we are hearing so far about the Jaguars' offseason.
- The expectation with Josh Allen is that the outside linebacker will be franchise-tagged. Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke made it clear last month that the Jaguars hold Allen's future in their hands when he said the former first-round pick would be a Jaguar in 2024. As of the Pro Bowl earlier this month, no significant movement was made on a contract extension for Allen. Look for him to be tagged sometime in the next few weeks as the Jaguars let the edge market settle during free-agency before they proceed with trying to get a deal done.
- Calvin Ridley is a different story. There is zero doubt the Jaguars want Ridley back. They have said so publicly and privately the discussions haven't been much different. Is Ridley a true No. 1 receiver? Maybe not, but he is still closer to being a blue-chip player than most other members of the Jaguars' roster. Plus, the Jaguars don't want to get worse at receiver as they enter the end of Trevor Lawrence's rookie contract window. With that said, it seems unlikely the Jaguars re-sign Ridley before free agency. The Jaguars, obviously, don't seem keen on the scenario of losing a second-round pick. They want to keep their 1,000-yard receiver, but it will likely mean taking the risk of him hitting free-agency.
- A few coaching notes. One is that the reviews of Ryan Nielsen since he entered the building have been nothing short of rave remarks. One team source said that Nielsen has brought a lot of energy and excitement, noting that compliments have poured in throughout the league about the hire. Nielsen is regarded as a potential future head coach in league circles.
- The next coaching note is that there is one unreported name who could be joining the Jaguars' staff. Former Atlanta Falcons assistant offensive line coach and defensive assistant Mario Jeberaeel is expected to join the franchise in some capacity. He worked alongside Nielsen last year, working on "special projects" for the Falcons' defense. It is unclear what role he will work in with the Jaguars, but look for his name when the full staff is reported.
- Don't be so sure that Dave Huxtable joins. It was reported earlier this offseason that he would follow Nielsen, but that doesn't seem to be a sure thing at this point.
- There was some surprise throughout league circles at the lack of changes along the Jaguars' offensive staff. Not many expected Press Taylor to be fired, but the fact the Jaguars only fired running backs coach Bernie Parmalee and didn't extend assistant offensive line coach Todd Washington was surprising. It doesn't look like a facelift is coming for the Jaguars' from a philosophy standpoint.
