ESPN’s Aaron Schatz identified one roster hole that the Jacksonville Jaguars should still be attempting to address after the NFL draft — edge rusher.
In short, there is a lack of experienced depth behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Along with identifying that need, Schatz also provided some free agent options that would make sense for the Jaguars.
As Schatz was discussing the Houston Texans’ biggest need, which is also edge rusher depth, he highlighted Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Derek Barnett, and Denico Autry as options for them. Schatz then said that the Jaguars should consider these same options as well.
Haason Reddick
Reddick’s best seasons came in 2022 and 2023 with Philadelphia, when he recorded 155 total pressures. Last season with the Bucs, Reddick generated 34 pressures and three sacks, per PFF.
Joey Bosa
In his one season with Buffalo, Bosa put together his most productive season over the last several years, recording 54 pressures and five sacks.
Leonard Floyd
Floyd has had steady production throughout his career, logging at least 44 pressures each season from 2020 through 2024, including a career high of 73 in 2021. Last season, he remained in that ballpark, tallying 36 pressures.
Derek Barnett
Barnett hasn’t had the same level of production as the other three, totaling 77 pressures over the last three seasons, but he would add experience to the Jaguars’ defensive end position, playing over 4,000 career snaps.
Denico Autry
After three consecutive 50-plus pressure seasons from 2021 through 2023, Autry has totaled 45 pressures over the last two years in a rotational role with Houston.
The Jaguars don’t have a ton of available cap space, but at this time of the year, that shouldn’t be an issue — it’s not as if any of these contracts will break the bank.
Also worth noting, no free agent signings at this stage of the offseason count towards the 2027 compensatory pick formula.
We saw last year that GM James Gladstone is willing to make post-draft additions through free agency, signing Emmanuel Ogbah and Dennis Gardeck prior to training camp.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL analyst identifies 5 free agent pass rushers for Jaguars
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
