It goes without saying that 2019 is going to provide a busy offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars who need a lot of help on the offensive end. Of course, that will begin this month with free agency coming up, which doesn’t consist of a strong class. Still, the Jags can definitely find some contributors to help them get back to the playoffs and here are five names we believe the Jags have a shot to add on offense:
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland Browns
Quarterback is the Jags’ biggest position of need and most believe they’ll target Nick Foles. However, it hard to believe the Jags will want to commit to Foles long-term (neither should they want to), or pay him over $17 million plus at an annual rate.
All that considered, I think they’ll look for a more affordable option — and Taylor may be that guy. He’s proven he can flourish in the past with a great defense beside him and a running game, both of which the Jags have. Some might feel he may be reluctant to sign with the Jags if their plan is to draft a rookie signal-caller in Round 1, but Doug Marrone isn’t a coach who has been trigger happy to change quarterbacks in the past. If the Jags stress that in negotiations, maybe Taylor would be willing to sign as a bridge option.
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Simply put, a player of Bell’s magnitude doesn’t hit the market often, and that’s exactly why the Jags should at least put their name in the cap. It’s possible they’ll be starting a rookie quarterback at some point in the 2019 season and a weapon like Bell is exactly what he’ll need by his side due to being the league’s best dual-threat tailback. Even for a veteran, he’d be a welcomed addition.
As for his issue with the Pittsburgh Steelers that may be of concern, it appears he simply wants a fair deal and free agency will provide that if the Jags don’t get outdone for his services (which is very possible). After getting paid, most believe he’d work his tail off as we’ve seen him do since entering the league.
Bell is a player who in all probability would signify the Jags moving on from Leonard Fournette being that both would want to be No. 1 tailbacks. However, if everything is truly fine between the front office and him, look for the Jags to just stick with the third-year running back who they’ve invested a lot into.
Update: Per a source of Philly.com, the Jags will sign Nick Foles.
Latavius Murray, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Murray probably has a much better chance than Bell to land with the Jags because of his familiarity to John DeFilippo, who was his coach while with the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, the market won’t be as competitive for him as Bell is likely to start a bidding war, and rightfully so.
Murray, an Orlando native, probably would love nothing more than to return to his home state and would be a perfect compliment to Leonard Fournette. He’ll be coming off a season in which he racked up 578 rushing yards over the course of 140 carries in 2018, and doesn’t have a ton of tread on him for a player entering his sixth year with 899 total carries and 3,698 total rushing yards.
Tyrell Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Williams is a player who has had a somewhat up and down career, but at 27 years of age, there is a possibility he can be the player fans saw in 2016 when he racked up a career high in receptions (69), receiving yards (1,059) and touchdowns (seven). When looking at the Jags’ coaching staff, maybe Keenan McCardell can tap into his potential as he’s done well in developing Dede Westbrook (2018) and Keelan Cole (2017).
Like Bell, the problem with acquiring Williams could be his market as his age and potential could garner the attention of several teams in free agency. The Oakland Raiders are already one of the teams who are reportedly interested and they have an abundance of money to outbid any other potential suitors for Williams.
Jesse James, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jags need a tight end desperately as Austin Seferian-Jenkins will hit the open market, while James O’Shaughnessy is a pending free agent, too. James is a young option (24 years old) who has upside and is itching for a chance to become a starter after playing second fiddle to Vance McDonald in 2018.
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told the media that the organization will allow James to test the market, which is good news for the Jags who reportedly are interested in him. If he’s looking to break the bank like Chicago Bears tight end Trey Burton did last season (four years, $32 million with $22 million guaranteed), the Jags probably wouldn’t mind swinging it due to DeFilippo’s success with tight ends.
