Ranking Jacksonville Jaguars' Best Remaining Free-Agency Options
Seven new players, a few re-signings and plenty of rumors later, the Jacksonville Jaguars can look back at the opening week of free agency satisfied. While the Jaguars made a few big moves and key signings in the first wave of free agency, the job isn't quite done.
As shocking as it may seem, the Jaguars are not done with free agency. In fact, they still have work to do in multiple places, perhaps including picking up a top-tier player.
Here are some roles the Jaguars still need to focus on in the coming weeks of free agency:
- Wide receiver
- Running back
- Pass-rusher
It remains to be seen whether the Jaguars will focus on these positions in free agency or the draft. However, there are some quality veterans that the Jaguars could acquire if the price is right.
According to Over the Cap, the Jaguars' spending spree took just over half of the available cap space, leaving them with a still respectable $31,912,511 in the bank. It may not be the estimated $68 million that the Jaguars started with, but it's still a useful sum for the rest of free agency.
The Jaguars have done a great job of making their mark and stating their ambitions for this upcoming season in the opening days of free agency. And, as fun as it has been, there is still more to be done.
General manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley realize this. While the Jaguars may take a moment to rest after the hectic first week of free agency, the goal to become a competitive team in the NFL remains a priority.
With that said, let's get to the Jaguars' best remaining free-agency options.
6. George Selvie
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Remember George Selvie? He played for the Jaguars in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, albeit for a total of 16 games. After being released by the Jaguars, Selvie made a name for himself in Dallas. Returning him to the Jaguars under a different coach and manager could mean a much more successful tenure in Jacksonville.
Selvie has now spent a few years with the Dallas Cowboys and has improved significantly. When injury issues devastated the Cowboys' defensive line, Selvie stepped in and proved his worth.
Over his two seasons with the Cowboys, Selvie has a total of 75 combined tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles. Selvie has been an important part of Dallas' defensive line and could provide a boost to the Jaguars.
The Jaguars seem to be planning on obtaining an edge defender, especially after the release of Red Bryant. Selvie would be a solid replacement for Bryant, but he would also be a cost-effective option.
Even with $31 million left to spend, the Jaguars have to be careful with their money. Selvie could be signed for a relatively cheap contract, maybe even less than Red Bryant’s near $4 million a year.
Selvie may not be a game-changing pass-rusher for the Jaguars, but he could be the most financially sensible option. Should the Jaguars decide to spend money elsewhere, Selvie would be a great option at defensive end.
5. Pierre Thomas
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While the New Orleans Saints re-signed running back Mark Ingram, they seem to have forgotten about Pierre Thomas. Thomas has received no love from the Saints, and it appears that he will have to sign with someone else.
The Jaguars need for a No. 1 running back is overwhelming. Between Toby Gerhart, Denard Robinson, Jordan Todman and Storm Johnson, no single running back stood out for long last season.
Gerhart was abysmal for the majority of 2014, Robinson had a string of games before getting injured and Todman and Johnson were just backups who could occasionally bring a big run to the table, but nothing consistent.
Thomas has been in a similar situation with the Saints, splitting carries with Ingram and Darren Sproles before his departure to the Eagles last offseason. However, Thomas may be the most complete running back available.
Thomas has averaged 4.6 yards per carry over his eight years in the NFL and has been arguably the most reliable option at running back for the Saints.
The only downside to Thomas is his age. He is now 30 and probably has three seasons left in his career at most. His injury-plagued season in 2014 may be proof that Thomas is aging, but that doesn’t mean he’s finished.
Thomas would most likely be a cheap option at running back and could be an upgrade over Gerhart and Robinson. It remains to be seen if Robinson will build on his success in 2015, but if the Jaguars don’t believe so, Thomas is a reliable option to consider.
4. Stevan Ridley
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With all respect to Pierre Thomas, the better option for the Jaguars at running back is Stevan Ridley. Ridley is entering free agency after four seasons with the New England Patriots and is younger and arguably more talented than Thomas.
Ridley has a slightly lower career yards per carry with 4.3. However, Ridley has done something Thomas has never done in eight years in the NFL: run for over a thousand yards in a season.
Ridley’s 2012 season, in which he had 290 carries for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, was phenomenal. It was also his only season as the sole running back for the Patriots.
Like Thomas, Ridley has been competing with backs like Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount over the years, but when he was the lead back, he dominated for the Patriots.
If the Jaguars signed Ridley, he would be the lead running back from the onset. Robinson and Gerhart would still hold value in the offense, but Ridley would be the top running back on the depth chart without question.
At 26, Ridley has some of his best years ahead of him. And while he’s a younger and arguably more talented back than Thomas, he would be a bit more expensive.
Ridley may also require a more expensive contract from a team like the Jaguars. Considering that the primary competitor for his signature would most likely be the Patriots, the Jaguars would have to shell out some cash for the Super Bowl XLIX champion.
Ridley would be another major signing for the Jaguars, and considering his talent and age, it would be a sound investment.
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3. Michael Crabtree
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Michael Crabtree has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers. Aside from an injury-shortened 2013, Crabtree has never had a season without at least 600 yards.
Crabtree is not the best free-agent receiver available, and he’s not even the best 49ers receiver available. However, he has spent years in a system that has ignored him and deprived him of chances.
After arriving in San Francisco in 2009, Crabtree was a receiver in an offense focused on the running game. And with Alex Smith throwing him the ball, it wasn't like Crabtree was going to get the best opportunities to make plays.
The rise of Colin Kaepernick in 2012 seemed great at first. Crabtree had a career year, bringing down 85 receptions, 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his injury in 2013 placed him in the back of Kaepernick’s mind going forward.
Crabtree is now ready to leave the Bay Area, and he may be a solid fit for the Jaguars. Crabtree would be a nice option for Blake Bortles, and he offers playoff experience to a young receiving corps.
Crabtree has been a consistent option for the 49ers over the past six seasons, and despite being on a roster that has included Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin, he has managed to stand out in the NFL.
If Crabtree comes to Jacksonville, he won’t be lost in the mix. He’ll be the top receiver and will receive a fair chance to prove his talent. If his consistency in San Francisco is any sign, Crabtree would be a worthy risk for the Jaguars.
2. Stevie Johnson
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I mentioned that Crabtree isn’t the best free-agent receiver from the 49ers available, and Stevie Johnson is why. Johnson is the most talented receiver available in free agency, and if the Jaguars don’t mind paying the price, he could provide Bortles with a second game-changing option.
Johnson has just finished his first and only season in San Francisco. He was cut by the 49ers, and while they may not see the value in returning him, the Jaguars could benefit from their decision.
Johnson is coming off of a relatively poor season. Although he missed three games with a knee injury, his 35 receptions for 435 yards and three touchdowns was a significant drop in production.
However, despite a poor statistical season, there is a lot of talent and ability left in Johnson. People forget that he totaled over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons with the Buffalo Bills from 2010 to 2012.
Johnson went to San Francisco and, like Crabtree, found an offense centered around Kaepernick and the running game. Along with Crabtree, Boldin and Davis, Johnson had little chance to become a standout receiver.
At Buffalo, Johnson was the star receiver and was able to make big plays for the Bills despite mediocre quarterback play from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
In Jacksonville, Johnson would come into an offense with a well-rounded attack and a talented but raw quarterback in Bortles. He would be a standout weapon on the offense for the Jaguars.
Johnson won’t be the cheapest option, and it would be a gamble to see if he’s able to return to his form with the Bills. But the Jaguars have an offensive setup that could see Johnson thrive as a major player for them going forward.
1. Greg Hardy
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The Jaguars have shown ambition in the opening week of free agency, and if they still have that aggressive mindset, Greg Hardy should be their next target. Controversial, talented and proven, Hardy could be the next star of the Jaguars defense.
Hardy would be, in all senses of the word, a “tough” signing. Though the charges were dropped on appeal, his initial guilty ruling on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend could still be a concern.
However, despite the off-field issues, Hardy is still a fantastic pass-rusher. Should the Jaguars determine his issues are in the past, Hardy could become a sack machine for the team.
Hardy had 26 sacks in the two seasons before his suspension and showed no signs of stopping. He is a top-five pass-rusher in the NFL, and if the Jaguars are interested in dealing the cash for another star player, Hardy would be the proper signing.
Despite the Jaguars’ need for a top pass-rusher and Hardy’s availability, Hardy’s off-field concerns may be too overwhelming.
Whoever signs Hardy, whether it’s the Jaguars or another team, could receive some public criticism. Hardy’s assault case will never be forgotten, and even with his talent, it may not work out for that sole reason.
The Jaguars have dealt with off-field issues before with Justin Blackmon, and they are aware of the risks. Whether or not they'll decide to take that risk remains to be seen.
Is Hardy the best available free agent? Yes. Is he a fantastic pass-rusher that the Jaguars need? Yes.
But is he the smart move? Maybe not. Hardy will bring controversy wherever he goes, and the Jaguars have to decide if a star player is worth it.
The Jaguars have some major decisions to make in the coming weeks of free agency. The future of this team rests on how much this team improves this offseason, and free agency makes up for a large part of that improvement.
Between these six players, the Jaguars have options to fill their needs, and good options at that. All six of these players have shown they can play for any team in the NFL, and it’s that top percentage the Jaguars are striving for.
The Jaguars have shown a willingness to pursue top free agents, and with $31 million left to spend, there aren’t many reasons that they shouldn’t continue to target the best of the best.
However, the Jaguars have to consider their financial future and the potential implications of signing Hardy, arguably the best free agent available for their most important need.
There’s a lot to come for the Jaguars, and I would guess that there are some major moves still to be made. It’s important, however, that the Jaguars weigh their options and make sure that the decisions they make help both immediately and in the long term.
All stats were provided by ESPN unless otherwise stated.
Evan Reier is a member of Bleacher Report's APSM program. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.
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