The Jacksonville Jaguars, like every team, have positional needs to address this offseason. But of course, not every free agency addition is going to be a top of market player.
So who are some of the underrated free agents this offseason, particularly at key needs for the Jaguars?
In terms of spending power, the Jaguars rank around the middle of the pack with just over $32 million in available salary cap space, which ranks 17th. They do, however, have the ability to create quite a bit more room if they choose to go down that path.
The draft, where the Jaguars have 10 selections, with also provide them with the ability to add some high-end talent to the roster as well.
With help from Pro Football Focus and their free agency rankings, here are a few “underrated” free agents at some noteworthy positions for the Jaguars.
Cornerback: Paulson Adebo, Saints
A broken femur in 2024 limited Adebo to only seven games. However, combined between 2022 and 2023, Adebo had terrific ball production with seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups. He also allowed a completion rate of 58% at 13.8 yards per catch.
With Adebo’s play-style, PFF mentions that a defensive coordinator who prefers to play a more aggressive man-coverage heavy scheme will “surely value” what he can add to a defense.
Safety: Elijah Molden, Chargers
The Jaguars surrendered way too many explosive plays last season through the air. Molden would slide in immediately as the team’s top free safety, allowing Darnell Savage to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he’s at his best.
Molden was a reliable tackler in 2024 and he held opopnents to under 10.0 yards per catch with three interceptions and two pass breakups. Quarterbacks had a passer rating of only 44.8 when targeting him.
“While Molden does not possess the versatility of some other safeties, he can be very valuable in a well-defined role as a deep safety,” wrote PFF.
Guard: Will Hernandez, Cardinals
The offensive line play has to improve, said Liam Coen. An injury cut Hernandez’s 2024 season short, but he’s been extremely durable throughout his career.
According to PFF’s metrics, since 2022, Hernandez pass-blocking grade is the ninth-best among all guards during that span and his pressure rate allowed of 4.2% ranks 17th.
How the Jaguars evaluate Hernadez’s ability as a run-blocker will be an important factor in whether or not he actually falls on their radar. Success on the ground will be key to getting the passing game going.
“Hernandez’s age and recent injury could scare off some teams or lead to a lower contract value,” wrote PFF. “Still, they would likely get an above-average pass-blocking guard.”
Defensive tackle: Tershawn Wharton, Chiefs
My guess is that with this year’s defensive line class in the NFL draft being absolutely loaded, the Jaguars will turn there for help at this position. But if they explore free agency, a name to watch is Wharton’s.
This past season was a career-year for Wharton, who tallied 42 pressures and nine sacks, according to PFF. Throughout his career, he’s graded out as a better pass rusher than a run defender, for what it’s worth.
“Wharton saved the best for last, as he earned a career-high 90.1 PFF overall grade on the biggest stage, Super Bowl 59,” wrote PFF. “That mark tied for 23rd among 1,590 single-game performances throughout the 2024 NFL season.”
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