Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars

With the NFL regular season winding down and the playoffs on the horizon, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has already shifted focus to early free agency planning—identifying key targets to address lingering roster gaps and build on their current playoff-contending core. Leveraging cap space flexibility (projected to be around $45 million) and a clear understanding of positional needs, the Jaguars have zeroed in on players who align with their physical, team-first culture and can contribute immediately in 2025. These early targets aren’t just random names; they’re carefully selected to complement stars like Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley, strengthen thin positions, and avoid the midseason depth crises that tested the team this year. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks down the top positional priorities, the standout free agents on the Jaguars’ radar, and how these additions could elevate the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars starts with the team’s top defensive priority: edge rusher. While Josh Allen has emerged as a franchise pass-rusher (11 sacks this season), the Jaguars lack a consistent second threat opposite him—a gap that was exposed when Roy Robertson-Harris suffered a season-ending injury. Their early top target is Danielle Hunter, a 29-year-old Minnesota Vikings edge rusher with 14 sacks this season and a track record of durability (15+ games in three of the last four years). Hunter’s combination of speed (4.57 40-yard dash) and strength (26 career forced fumbles) would pair perfectly with Allen, creating a pass-rush duo that could terrorize AFC quarterbacks. The Jaguars also see Hunter as a leadership fit; he’s known for his work ethic and willingness to mentor younger players—traits that align with head coach Doug Pederson’s culture. “Hunter checks every box,” a league source close to the Jaguars’ front office said. “He’s a proven producer, he fits our scheme, and he’s still in his prime. Locking him down early would be a game-changer for our defense.”

Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars highlights the Jaguars’ focus on offensive line depth, specifically at guard. While Brandon Scherff has anchored the right guard spot, the left guard position has been a rotation of players with mixed results—allowing 8 sacks and 15 quarterback hits this season. The Jaguars’ early target here is Robert Hunt, a 27-year-old Miami Dolphins guard who has started 47 games over the last three seasons and graded as the NFL’s 8th-best guard by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2024. Hunt’s versatility (he can also play tackle in a pinch) and physical run-blocking style (he’s helped the Dolphins rank top-10 in rushing yards in two of the last three years) make him an ideal fit for the Jaguars’ run-heavy offense. Beyond on-field production, Hunt is a Jacksonville native—growing up in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach—which adds a personal connection that could sway his decision. “Hunt knows the area, he understands what we’re building here, and he’d immediately stabilize our left guard spot,” the source added. “Signing him would let us keep our line intact and protect Lawrence for years to come.”

Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars delves into the Jaguars’ need at cornerback and their early target: L’Jarius Sneed of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jaguars’ secondary has improved with Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell, but they lack a reliable slot cornerback—an area exploited by teams like the Texans and Colts this season (opponents averaged 8.2 yards per reception in the slot against Jacksonville). Sneed, 27, has excelled in the slot for the Chiefs, allowing just a 54% completion rate when targeted and recording 3 interceptions this season. His physicality (91 tackles in 2024) and ability to cover both slot receivers and tight ends make him a versatile addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense. The Jaguars also value Sneed’s playoff experience—he’s played in 12 postseason games, including two Super Bowls—which would bring a winning mindset to a secondary that’s still developing. “Sneed is exactly the kind of corner we need,” Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said in a recent interview. “He can shut down the slot, he’s not afraid to tackle, and he’s been in big games. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding him would let us match up with any receiving corps in the AFC.”

Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars explores the Jaguars’ interest in a backup running back to complement Travis Etienne Jr., with their early target being James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals. While Etienne has been productive (1,200 rushing yards this season), the Jaguars lack a short-yardage specialist—converting just 68% of third-and-1 carries (24th in the NFL). Conner, 29, has made a career of thriving in short-yardage situations (82% third-and-1 conversion rate since 2020) and can also contribute in the passing game (35 receptions this season). His durability (14+ games in four of the last five years) and low injury risk make him a safe addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ backfield. The Jaguars also see Conner as a locker room asset; he’s known for his leadership and work ethic, which would set a positive example for younger running backs like Tank Bigsby. “Conner would be a perfect complement to Etienne,” Jaguars running backs coach Taylor Embree said. “He can handle the short-yardage carries, spell Etienne when needed, and add another weapon in the passing game. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing him would make our running game even more unpredictable and tough to stop.”

Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the Jaguars’ strategy for early free agency and how these targets fit into their long-term plan. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office plans to be aggressive early, using their cap space to lock down top targets before other teams can compete—avoiding the mistake of waiting too long for players who sign elsewhere (like they did with cornerback Stephon Gilmore in 2023). By targeting proven veterans in their prime (27–29 years old), the Jaguars aim to win now while keeping their core intact for 3–4 more seasons. They also plan to prioritize players who fit their culture—avoiding high-priced divas in favor of team-first contributors who buy into Pederson’s system. “Our early targets aren’t just about talent—they’re about fit,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said. “We want players who are committed to winning, who work hard, and who make everyone around them better. If we can land even two or three of these targets, we’ll be in a great position to compete for a Super Bowl next season.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, early free agency isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about building a sustainable winner. In the end, Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Jacksonville Jaguars is a story of intentionality: a team that’s learned from past mistakes, knows what it needs to win, and is ready to act fast to turn its playoff potential into championship success.