Moeller: Trade Talks Enhance Jaguars' Relatively Quiet Free-Agency
All is quiet on the Jaguars’ front. Ah..maybe
That was pretty much expected except for two moves that were anticipated - Running back Travis Etienne and edge rusher Devin Lloyd left for free agency in big deals.
However, the Jags really didn’t have the cap space to keep either of them, and they weren’t going big-game hunting. They did resign linebacker Dennis Gardeck and cornerback Montaric Brown, both solid moves, and inked Commanders’ running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Jaguars general manager James Gladstone appears to be set with his club and Gardeck and Brown needed to be brought back. He really didn’t want to reshuffle the deck with some major moves.
Yet.. there is more.
Overall, though, trust the process.
Before the free-agency period began, receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was reportedly on the trade market. He has two years left on his $14 million-plus deal, and the Jags have a fifth-year option for 2028.
In addition to Thomas, the Jags were reportedly in discussion with the Eagles about defensive tackle Jalen Carter in a reunion move with Georgia teammate Travon Walker.
Thomas burst onto the scene in his rookie year when he caught 87 touchdowns and scored 10 touchdowns. The Jags apparently had found their playmaker.
But Thomas slipped last season, mainly with his 10 dropped passes - second in the league - and he only caught 48 passes and scored twice.
Thomas was highly rumored to be headed to the Giants or Jets. The Giants would reportedly send underwhelming edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and bring back tackle Roy Robertson-Harris. The Jets would send their second-round pick for Thomas.
Jaguars GM James Gladstone emphatically denied that Thomas is on the block.
But there is still a chance it could happen.
With the emergence of Parker Washington and the addition of Jakobi Meyers, Thomas can be expendable. Travis Hunter will be back after his shortened year.
So, Thomas being dealt does make sense. If Gladstone can get what he wants, he’ll pull the trigger. If not, the Jags will have a loaded receiving corps that also includes rising star tight end Brenton Strange.
Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman recently quashed the Carter talks to a presumed contract extension. But Carter would be a welcomed addition.
There may be some fringe movement before the draft next month, as the Jags have bumped their cap space to around five million with some restructuring deals.
Their division rivals boosted their lineups to make it an interesting AFC South race this season.
Houston was busy in the market adding safety Reed Blankenship among others. and they traded for running back David Montgomery. Tennessee was very active adding edge rusher John Franklin-Myers, wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, and corner Co’Dale Flott. Indianapolis kept quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce and picked up defensive tackle Colby Wooten from the Packers.
In all likelihood, the Jags likely will be relatively quiet before the draft. The Jags don’t have a first-round pick, but they have 11 overall.
However, don’t count out Gladstone. He shocked the league with his Hunter move last season.
Stay patient. You have to feel there is more to come.
