The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2023 campaign was full of ups and downs. An 8-3 start became a distant memory as the losses stacked up and the Trevor Lawrence-led team went 1-5 in the last six weeks of the season. Finishing shy of a playoff berth, the Jaguars have fully shifted their focus to making the necessary adjustments in the offseason.
What are the top priorities for the Jaguars before the 2024 season?
To keep or not to keep Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley’s future with the team impacts more than just the receiving room. When acquiring the then-suspended receiver in 2022, the Jaguars agreed to trade a conditional draft pick pending factors such as playing time and Ridley’s status with the team in 2024. If the Jaguars extend Ridley, they’d be giving up their second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons. Given the wideout’s playing time and additional incentives met in 2023, the Falcons will receive a third-rounder at the very least.
If the team chooses to move on from the former Falcon, acquiring a talented receiver in the draft or free agency becomes a top priority.
Reach a deal with Josh Allen
Edge rusher Josh Allen made the most of his contract year and put up strong numbers, including a franchise record-setting 17.5 sacks. The 2019 seventh overall pick has become a staple of Jacksonville’s defense and is the team’s top free agent.
The Jaguars have two options: franchise tag Allen or sign him to a long-term extension. General manager Trent Baalke made it clear that the team is eager to reach a deal with their star defensive player this offseason.
Bolster the offensive line
Updating the offensive line is a must for the Jaguars. Travis Etienne Jr. comes off a productive season, but the running back had to work overtime to break tackles and pick up yardage. As the season came to an end, injuries stacked up for Trevor Lawrence, as the quarterback was sustaining hard hit after hit.
Adding to the offensive line will be key in an effort to improve the run game and keep Lawrence protected. The Jaguars will likely target a lineman early in the draft this year, but adding a veteran wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
Right guard Robert Hunt is a name who has emerged in the search. With the Miami Dolphins well over the salary cap and still having to extend Christian Wilkins, Hunt could be available and would instantly improve the Jaguars’ roster.