Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Essential Bargain Free Agents

Now that the free agent frenzy has cooled off, the Jaguars should pounce on some free agents that are reasonably priced. The first few days of free agency have seen plenty of men overpaid and overvalued. Many teams have since cooled off their free agent searches, but Jacksonville should heat up its own.

Adding a few more seasoned veterans in free agency could help Jacksonville in 2012. Whoever serves as quarterback for the Jaguars in 2012 needs better tools to work with. Further, any defense could always benefit from added depth.

While the 2012 NFL Draft is very important to Jacksonville, there are free agents out there that could help them win now.

Here are five free agents that Jacksonville needs to add if they want to compete for the AFC South crown.

Dallas Clark

Whether it's Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne in 2012, the Jaguars are going to need a security blanket. The team knows very well how good Dallas Clark is and how much he can help their football team. He can move the chains and be as much as a possession receiver as he is a down-field threat.

Clark is coming off an injury-plagued season, but there is no way he wouldn't improve the Jaguars' offensive production. Oh yeah, and he should play a little more inspired when he sees Indy.

Lee Evans

The Jacksonville Jaguars did well by snagging Laurent Robinson, but is he really proven enough to be the No. 1 receiver? Lee Evans had a dismal 2011 season, but his resume speaks for itself. He was a fantastic Buffalo Bill and a consistent receiver there.

Although he cost the Ravens a trip to the Super Bowl, he should play harder in 2012 to make amends for his mistakes. He has been an effective receiver and could bring consistency and leadership to the Jacksonville offense.

Jim Leonhard

The New York Jet was having a solid 2011 season before injuries forced him to miss time. Jim Leonhard is a sure tackler who rarely gives up a big play. He is also valuable as a punt returner and is altogether a special teams specialist. He can make plays and force turnovers, and is a proven veteran that can provide leadership to the young Jaguars.

James Farrior

Though the Jaguars have decent linebackers, James Farrior would provide depth and leadership to Jacksonville's defense. He is a proven winner who has made big plays on defense in three Super Bowls. He has experience and knowledge to share, and his presence alone would make the Jaguars' defense more intimidating. He is getting up there in age but still has a little more to give to the game.

Andre Carter

Before he suffered a season-ending injury, Andre Carter was one of the league leaders in sacks. The former Patriots defensive end constantly pressured the quarterback and made plays on a regular basis. The Jaguars, like any NFL franchise, need more players on defense to consistently rattle a quarterback. Carter is a cheap project who is low-risk and high-reward. If he is in bad form, he simply doesn't make the roster. But if could replicate his 2011 production, the Jaguars suddenly have a proven pass rusher that could make the difference.