The Jacksonville Jaguars have to bolster the offensive line unit this offseason, especially at guard. So, who are some of the top free-agent options out there for the Jaguars?
During his introductory press conference, head coach Liam Coen mentioned that the offensive line play as a whole in 2025 has to improve.
This can be accomplished in a few ways, which could include finding a long-term option at center with Mitch Morse entering the final year of his deal. It could also include adding more competition at tackle. But it must include adding to the guard position.
Last season, the Jaguars ranked 19th in yards per carry, 25th in ESPN’s run-block win rate metric, and generated the third-fewest yards before contact.
When it comes to Coen turning the Jacksonville offense around, a key part of that equation is going to include having a run game to lean on. This will keep the Jaguars out of predictable passing situations and can open up opportunities through the air to exploit.
Brandon Scherff is set to be a free agent this offseason and could be playing elsewhere. Ezra Cleveland is returning, but other guard options on the roster include Blake Hance, who played 97 snaps last season, and Cooper Hodges who played 63 snaps in 2024.
The Jaguars currently have $38.24 million in available cap space, which ranks 17th, according to Over the Cap. Jacksonville does have the ability to create more room if needed.
With help from Pro Football Focus, if the Jaguars are willing to spend at this position, here are the top free agent options at guard this offseason:
Trey Smith, Kansas City
It’s been reported that the Chiefs will not franchise tag Trey Smith so he will hit free agency and be a highly coveted player for many teams and his projected contract value reflects that.
Smith is still just 25 years old and has been a four-year starter for the Chiefs. He’s steadily graded out well as a run-blocker by PFF’s metrics, and he has allowed just five sacks over the last three seasons combined. Out of 80 eligible guards in 2024, Smith ranked 20th in pass-blocking efficiency.
PFF’s projected contract: 4 years – $82 million
Will Fries, Indianapolis
Fries is coming off a season-ending lower leg injury that he suffered in Week 5. However, up to that point, he was one of the better guards in football by PFF’s metrics.
Through five games, Fries ranked fourth in run-blocking grade and he was 10th in pass-blocking grade as well. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Fries is expected to be fully cleared by the time free agency begins and that he’ll “attract serious interest.”
PFF projected contract: 4 years – $57.25 million
Teven Jenkins, Chicago
Jenkins has missed time with injuries in each of his four NFL seasons. Over the last three seasons, he’s missed 12 total games.
But when on the field, Jenkins has consistently played at a high level. This past season, among all guards, Jenkins ranked 14th in run-blocking grade and he was 20th in pass-blocking efficiency.
PFF projected contract: 3 years – $40 million
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