Calvin Ridley’s resolution to signal a four-year, $92m take care of the division rival Tennessee Titans despatched shockwaves via Jacksonville Wednesday.
And but, regardless of basic supervisor Trent Baalke fumbling the ball in a giant spot, the Jaguars have loads of choices in the event that they want to bolster the large receiver position earlier than coaching camp arrives.
We check out the varied routes so as to add a playmaker, and provide some names that would probably be carrying the teal and black in 2024:
Free Agency
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
After just a few seasons of seemingly restrained habits within the NFL’s yearly model of a free-for-all, 2024 noticed free company return with a bang. The Jacksonville Jaguars had been one of many largest instigators on day one of many ‘legal tampering period’, bringing in 5 new faces in Mitch Morse, Gabe Davis, Darnell Savage, Ronald Darby and Devin Duvernay. They look set to double down on that aggressive outlay, reportedly finalizing a giant deal for former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Keeping Calvin Ridley was actually the plan whatever the transfer for Davis, and it clearly didn’t play out that means – however there are nonetheless loads of receivers available on the open market…
After including a deep discipline menace in Gabe Davis, maybe the staff can be extra intrigued in a big-bodied possession receiver that would provide Trevor Lawrence a professional redzone goal? There are a few names that match this class.
Mike Williams would most likely symbolize the largest splash if Baalke struck a deal. The Los Angeles Chargers launched him on Wednesday in a determined cost-cutting train. The 29-year-old is coming off a torn Achilles and represents a little bit of danger, however there’s no denying his skill as a cross catcher who can dominate outdoors the numbers.
Alternatively, if you need extra sturdiness and even versatility, how about Tyler Boyd? A receiver who can play the slot or on the perimeter, his profession with the Cincinnati Bengals ended after eight years within the Queen’s City. His manufacturing dwindled in recent years in a crowded receiver room – however with the Pittsburgh Steelers , the entrance workplace should act quick.
If pace is most popular to measurement, then there’s no scarcity of choices nonetheless on the market for the Jags. Marquise Brown has the uncommon skill to take the highest off a protection and is in search of a brand new home after a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals; Curtis Samuel brings a dynamic skillset that makes him a menace anyplace on offense; even KJ Osborn has proven flashes with the Minnesota Vikings.
None of the names above resonate fairly as loudly as Calvin Ridley’s did, however they may decrease any drop-off in manufacturing within the passing recreation.
Trade
We’ve already seen a flurry of receivers on the transfer by way of commerce since Tuesday; Jerry Jeudy, Diontae Johnson and Rondale Moore are simply three examples of gifted playmakers heading to pastures new. Several different names have both been franchise-tagged or are in line for being paid, and maybe their present employers are reluctant to take action – resulting in loads of commerce rumors floating across the league.
The most sensational of all of them is undoubtedly Justin Jefferson, who reportedly turned down $30m a season from the Vikings final yr. It can be exceptional to think about Baalke pulling off a blockbuster deal to convey the most effective cross catchers within the league to Duval County, and Jefferson’s deal would dwarf the one Ridley signed in Tennessee. But simply think about…
Okay, again right down to earth; what about Tee Higgins? The Bengals wideout is much from comfortable about being tagged and reportedly needs out of Cincy. Again, his numbers would most likely surpass these of Ridley’s, and with Jacksonville bolstering the roster elsewhere it could appear far-fetched that they might be a possible touchdown spot for Higgins’ skills. But it’s actually extra lifelike than a transfer for Jefferson – to not point out it could pair Higgins again up with Trevor Lawrence, former teammates with the Clemson Tigers.
Maybe the very best commerce possibility of all could possibly be Brandon Aiyuk; the 49ers have already got plenty of money invested in Deebo Samuel, and would most likely really feel comfy in Kyle Shanahan discovering alternate options to fill his function of their offense ought to he depart. Potentially coming in a tier beneath Jefferson and Higgins money–clever, his multi-faceted recreation would add an additional dynamic to the Jags offense. One to observe.
Draft
Sitting fairly at #17 in a receiver-heavy draft class, maybe the Jaguars eschew a big-money signing or commerce to select up a comparative cut price on the finish of April? Sure, Marvin Harrison Jr. is perhaps out of their vary, however with some modest draft board manipulation, the staff ought to be capable of position themselves for one of many premiere skills available…
Should the push for quarterbacks and offensive linemen push among the huge names down the board, then there’s a world (or perhaps I’m dreaming) the place LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze falls outdoors the highest 10. Would Baalke be tempted to maneuver as much as go snag the staff’s WR1 of the longer term? He has traded up as soon as earlier than as Jaguars GM, transferring up from 33 to 27 to go and get linebacker Devin Lloyd in 2022. Whilst the Jaguars’ roster isn’t talent-devoid, it may actually use an injection at a number of spots on draft weekend so giving picks away to maneuver up appears unlikely – however crazier issues have occurred.
In this author’s humble opinion, standing pat at 17 may see one of many draft’s greatest receivers fall proper into their laps. LSU’s Brian Thomas has been incomes rave critiques as a dynamic, athletic receiver whose elite measurement belies his motion expertise – operating an unbelievable 4.33-second 40-yard sprint at 6’3” and 209lbs. Sure, he was in Nabers’ shade all through his faculty profession, however the very best feels but to come back from the mix warrior. Other names probably available at that juncture embody Troy Franklin from Oregon, Ladd McConkey from Georgia, and Xavier Worthy of Texas.
Of course, ought to the Jaguars goal a cross rusher or offensive linemen within the first spherical, there’s more likely to be loads of expertise falling into day two of this yr’s NFL Draft. Keep an eye fixed out for Xavier Legette from South Carolina, Tez Walker from North Carolina and Ricky Pearsall of Florida, who may all slip down the board and into Jacksonville’s open arms.
It won’t really feel prefer it, however there’s life after Calvin Ridley. Baalke has work to do to regain the fanbase’s belief – however which route will he go right down to do it?
