5 IMPENDING FREE AGENTS THE JAGUARS SHOULD CONSIDER

Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire

With the 2018 season all but over we take a look at several impeding free agents the Jaguars should consider. 

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The Jaguars 2019 offseason will be a unique one, in a way. Tom Coughlin, the team's boss when it comes to all things football, is likely to still be in place going into the 2019 season, but the roster he has helped to build over the last two years needs a built of an overhaul, at least on the offensive side of the ball. What makes things so interesting is that Coughlin has to balance the expectations of winning sooner rather than later, with the reality that the most sound strategy for the roster's long term stability is to inject young, inexpensive talent into the offense. He's also got to figure out how to manage the salary cap, something he failed to do effectively during his first go round with the Jaguars. 

All this begs the question, will the Jaguars be active in free agency this offseason?

If Coughlin feels that he's on the hot seat in 2019, then the Jaguars will likely do everything they can to make the playoffs next season. Whether or not the team has a real shot at doing so remains to be seen. But assuming Tom Coughlin does want to make the playoffs next season, his best chance would be to bring in some experienced veterans at some key offensive positions, even if that means parting ways with some high priced defensive veterans like Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus, and maybe even Tashaun Gipson or Calais Campbell (please, do not get rid of Calais). 

Let's take a look at five offensive players that, if Coughlin and company are going to be active in free agency, the Jaguars should consider. 

Matt Paradis, C, Denver

Matt Paradis was playing at an extremely high level prior to suffering a fractured right fibula in an early November loss to the Texans. He'll finish the season on the IR for the Broncos and is set to become a free agent when the new league year starts on March 13th. Prior to sustaining an injury Paradis had made every start at center for the Broncos since 2014. At 29 years old he should have plenty of gas left in the tank. If Denver lets Paradis test the open market the Jaguars should consider bidding for his services. He would help sure up the interior offensive line for the Jaguars. Paradis could take over at center and allow Brandon Linder to move back over to right guard, taking the place of AJ Cann who is set to be a free agent himself. Coming off an injury, his asking price might be lower than it otherwise would be, but there will still be plenty of squads vying for his services. He may be out the Jaguars price range, but Paradis would help the offense greatly.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, New Orleans

Bridgewater hasn't started an NFL game since 2015. But during his first two seasons in the NFL, as the starting QB for the Vikings, Bridgewater did some impressive things. Most impressive was his completion percentage of 64.7. The Saints might try to hold onto Bridgewater; they did give up third and sixth round picks to acquire him. But teams looking for a starting QB will roll the dice on Bridgewater. Health will always be a concern with the former first round pick, but he offers more unknown than any other QBs set to hit the free agent market, and the unknown can be very enticing. We all know what Ryan Fitzpatrick is. We all know what Tyrod Taylor is. But Teddy Bridgewater? His story is not yet written. He could become a quality starter in this league. He could also fail to stay healthy and always be a what if. Teddy B represents that great unknown. It seems unlikely that Tom Coughlin would swing for the fences with such a player, but Bridgewater represents the best chance of getting above average starting QB play next season for the Jaguars. 

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland

Tyrod Taylor is the ultimate bridge QB. He's good enough to keep you in games because he can complete the short to intermediate passes with regularity, can hit a long one every now and then and rarely turns over the football. He can also get it done with his legs. The 29 year old QB has 69 career total TDs to just 20 INTs. He's never thrown more than six interceptions in a season. Not too shabby. Taylor, while his upside is limited, could help bring some stability to the QB position in Jacksonville. He's familiar with the role he would be asked to take on here and is a strong example for young QBs in terms of work ethic. 

Tyrell Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

The Jaguars don't have a big bodied receiver set to be on their roster in 2019. Williams could be the perfect fit. He'll have a nice market for his services. At 26 years old Williams stands 6'4'' tall and weighs in at 205 lbs. Williams is far from the first option in LA, but his 16.4 career YPC and his five touchdowns in 2018 will make him a very attractive free agent option. Some teams may look to use him in more of a featured role, which could drive up his price. But Williams fits in nicely with what Jacksonville already has at receiver. 

Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore

Williams is just 24 years old, but after being drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2015 draft he hasn't exactly developed into a star TE. Still, Williams, when given the opportunity, has been an effective receiving threat. He's hauled in 76% of his career targets. Despite being such an efficient target, the Ravens have chosen not to activate the fourth year man three times this season. However, in recent weeks he has seen more run and actually led all Baltimore TEs in snaps during their week 15 win over Tampa. Williams seemingly has some untapped potential and could be a nice fit alongside Austin Seferian-Jenkins in Jacksonville. 

The Jaguars are unlikely to land more than one or two potential starters in free agency this year, but if they could land a couple of these potential free agents then the offense could get things turned around sooner rather than later.