Key decisions facing the Jaguars this offseason

jacksonville, florida – When this season started, I spent a good deal of time on Doug Pederson’s approach and how he coached compared to Urban Meyer. In fact, the changes were so dramatic that I could see things changing even before I started seeing results. So I made a report.

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Then, when the Jaguars beat the Colts and Chargers in the first quarter of the season, change seemed to come quickly, and the Jaguars seemed to respond. Then came October. Five straight losses.

We know what happened next. We can talk about Trevor Lawrence’s progression, the impact of a healthy Travis Etienne, or Rayshawn Jenkins’ career year on impact play, or six other factors that come from a player’s performance.

In fact, it was Pederson’s steady presence that made it possible. The Jaguars outperformed his three-win team last year in terms of talent. And they were better this year. I think this highlights the impact head coaches have on team atmosphere and culture. Pederson hit all the right notes.

Let’s look ahead.

What’s next for the Jaguar?

Let’s talk about free agency first.

Here are the Jaguars players who are currently unrestricted free agents:

• Tight end Evan Engram

• defense end arden key

• defensive end dauan smoot

• Wide Receiver Marvin Jones

• Right tackle Jawaan Taylor

• tight end Chris Manhertz

Engrams and keys are the top two targets to keep here as far as I’m concerned. Smoot depends on how he recovers from his Achilles tendon injury. Will Marvin Jones be happy with Calvin Ridley brought in? Will they be willing to spend money on him? Finally, how much do Jaguars value Manhertz’s block? Are they willing to spend to keep him?

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Next season’s salary cap is expected to exceed $220 million, up from $208 million this year. Before the cap goes up, the Jaguars are about $20 million above next season’s cap. Let’s assume that with the expected increase, it will be around $12 million for him. They could make more room by restructuring some existing contracts. For example, Josh Allen. Maybe Roy Robertson Harris.

You’ve probably seen the last of Shaq Griffin in a Jaguar uniform. Cutting K’Lavon Chaisson would save him another $2.4 million.

At some point in the next year or two, the Jaguars will give Trevor Lawrence a big deal. This will help free up some cap space based on how the trades are structured. Rookie contract. That’s where the Jaguars are now.

Unlike last year and the year before it, and most years in recent memory, the Jaguars aren’t picking near the top of the draft. Jags won’t make a pick until he’s 24th in the first round.

If you can add a few pieces in free agency, you simply get the best players, regardless of position.

Here are five areas I think the Jaguars need to improve in free agency.

1. pass rush

2. nickel corner

3. offensive line depth

4. Another option for running back

5. Did I mention pass lash?

Finally, you can expect some of this year’s rookie classes to show improvement. I want to say everything, but it rarely happens. If Travon Walker steps up as a pass rusher, linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Mooma, and center Luke Fortner are better next season than they were as rookies, the Jaguars are more than just competitive. They can challenge for the AFC Championship.