What might Jaguars spend in free agency to address defensive tackle?

As the Jacksonville Jaguars head into the offseason, one of the key positions they will need to address is defensive tackle. With the departure of several key players, including Marcell Dareus and Al Woods, the Jaguars are in need of a solid player to anchor their defensive line.

GM James Gladstone knows that the defensive tackle position is crucial to the success of the team’s defense. A strong defensive tackle can disrupt the opposing team’s running game, apply pressure to the quarterback, and help create turnovers. Without a solid player at this position, the Jaguars’ defense could struggle to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback.

As Gladstone evaluates potential free agent options, he must consider how much cap space he has available to spend on a new defensive tackle. The Jaguars currently have around $50 million in cap space, which gives them some flexibility to make a significant signing. However, Gladstone must also consider other positions of need, such as cornerback, linebacker, and offensive line, when determining how much to allocate to the defensive tackle position.

One option for the Jaguars in free agency is to pursue a top-tier defensive tackle like Leonard Williams or Dalvin Tomlinson. These players would command a significant salary, likely in the range of $10-15 million per year. While this would eat up a large portion of the team’s available cap space, it could be worth it if the player is a difference-maker on defense.

Another option for the Jaguars is to target a mid-tier free agent defensive tackle who may be more affordable but still capable of contributing to the team. Players like Sheldon Rankins, Larry Ogunjobi, or DaQuan Jones could be potential targets in this range, with salaries in the $5-10 million per year range. These players may not be as flashy as the top-tier options, but they could still provide solid production at a more reasonable cost.

Gladstone must also consider the possibility of re-signing one of the team’s own free agent defensive tackles, such as Abry Jones or Daniel Ekuale. While these players may not be as high-profile as some of the other options on the market, they are familiar with the team’s system and could provide continuity on the defensive line. Re-signing one of these players would likely come at a lower cost than pursuing an outside free agent.

In addition to considering the financial implications of signing a free agent defensive tackle, Gladstone must also evaluate the impact on the team’s overall roster construction. If the Jaguars allocate too much of their cap space to one position, they may not have enough resources left to address other areas of need. It’s important for Gladstone to strike a balance between upgrading the defensive tackle position and addressing other positions that also require attention.

One factor that could impact the Jaguars’ approach to free agency is the upcoming NFL Draft. The Jaguars hold the first overall pick in the draft and are widely expected to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This selection will likely have a significant impact on the team’s cap space and roster construction, as Lawrence will command a large rookie contract.

If the Jaguars do select Lawrence with the first overall pick, they may need to be more conservative in free agency to ensure they have enough cap space to sign their draft picks and fill out the rest of the roster. This could impact their ability to pursue a top-tier free agent defensive tackle, as they may need to focus on more cost-effective options.

On the other hand, if the Jaguars opt to trade down in the draft and acquire additional picks, they could have more flexibility in free agency to pursue a higher-priced defensive tackle. By adding more draft capital, the Jaguars could potentially address multiple positions of need in the draft, allowing them to be more aggressive in free agency.

As Gladstone weighs his options in free agency, he must also consider the long-term implications of any signings. The Jaguars are in the midst of a rebuilding phase under new head coach Urban Meyer, and it’s important for Gladstone to make decisions that align with the team’s long-term goals. While a high-priced free agent defensive tackle could provide an immediate boost to the defense, it’s important to consider how that signing will impact the team’s salary cap and roster flexibility in future seasons.

Ultimately, the decision of how much to spend on a free agent defensive tackle will come down to a combination of factors, including the player’s talent level, fit within the team’s system, cost, and impact on the overall roster. Gladstone must carefully weigh these considerations as he navigates the free agent market and works to improve the Jaguars’ defense for the upcoming season. With the right approach, the Jaguars have the opportunity to address their defensive tackle position effectively and set themselves up for success in the future.

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Source: USA Today