2024 Free Agency: Which Jaguars Will Stay or Go?
In 15 days, the wild west days of NFL Free Agency will return. Jaw-dropping contracts, league-altering moves and much, much more will all unfold right before our eyes.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the free agency date means key decisions for a number of starters and primary backups. As a result, we are going to give our predictions on which Jaguars re-sign and which will walk in free agency.
We will only be looking at unrestricted and restricted free agents, so exclusive rights free agents like Gregory Junior won't be included.
So, which Jaguars do we predict will re-sign? We take a look below.
Josh Allen: Stay
This one is cheating to a degree because we believe Josh Allen will receive the franchise tag as opposed to being re-signed. Perhaps he signs a new deal in the several months before he has to officially agree to the tender but regardless, we think he stays.
Calvin Ridley: Stay
This is a tougher one since Calvin Ridley will likely be the top receiver on the market for several teams. Still, the Jaguars want him back and there are plenty of reasons to think Ridley would want to return, too.
Ezra Cleveland: Stay
The Jaguars traded a sixth round pick to rent Ezra Cleveland over the second-half of the season, though it hardly made an impact on the offensive line. But Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher has always been high on him and Cleveland knows the Jaguars. We think he re-signs.
Jamal Agnew: Go
Jamal Agnew was a valuable piece of the Jaguars for three seasons, but there is no real reason to pay big money for a returner after the Jaguars drafted Parker Washington in the sixth round. If it was 2022, this would be a re-sign. In 2024, he is likely a smart option to walk.
Brandon McManus: Go
Doug Pederson seemed to be less than pleased with Brandon McManus' performance over the final six games of the season. He was just too inconsistent.
K'Lavon Chaisson: Go
K'Lavon Chaisson saw his snaps increase last year, but he didn't do much with them. It is time for both sides to move on.
Dawuane Smoot: Stay
The Jaguars should still add more pass-rushers, but it makes sense to bring Dawuane Smoot back on another short deal now that he is a year removed from his Achilles injury.
Tre Herndon: Go
One of the longest-tenured Jaguars, Tre Herndon has fans in the front office and in Doug Pederson, but he just doesn't seem like a fit for Ryan Nielsen's scheme.
Tyler Shatley: Stay
It would feel strange for Tyler Shatley to play anywhere but Jacksonville. He still has plenty of value as an extra interior lineman.
D'Ernest Johnson: Stay
This is genuinely one of the toughest calls. D'Ernest Johnson was an excellent addition to the offensive last year and also has special teams value. They should want him back.
Angelo Blackson: Go
Angelo Blackson played solid in 2023, but it is time for younger talent along the defensive line.
Daniel Thomas: Stay
The best special teamer on the team and one of the best in the NFL. He needs to return.
Shaquille Quarterman: Go
A hometown product, Shaq Quarterman is a good special teamer and could likely find more defensive snaps elsewhere considering the Jaguars have added four inside linebackers via free agency or the draft since 2022.
Matt Barkley: Go
That one handoff was sick, but ...
Cole Van Lanen: Go
The Jaguars didn't give up much when they traded for Cole Van Lanen, but they still lost the trade considering how he has played when on the field.
Blake Hance: Go
Blake Hance played a few different roles in 2023 but didn't really do well in any of them.
Caleb Johnson: Stay
Special teams coordinator Heath Farwell has always been high on Caleb Johnson, who has arguably been the Jaguars' best special teams cover man not named Daniel Thomas.
