SHOULD THE JAGUARS PURSUE A TRADE FOR GABE JACKSON?

Gabe Jackson (Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire)

The Jaguars have a need at right guard and Gabe Jackson is on the trade block. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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According to Ian Rapoport, Oakland Raiders' right guard Gabe Jackson is on the trade block.

His contract is non-guaranteed, and he's due to make $9.6 million in 2020. There could be a chance he's released if the Raiders can't find a trade partner, but that seems unlikely as Jackson is still a high-level pass protector on the interior. 

Should the Jaguars pounce? 

They've certainly got the draft ammunition to make a move at a position of need. 

In 2019 AJ Cann was the primary starter at right guard while Will Richardson also took snaps at the position. Neither player performed at a high level, as the two struggled to create rushing lanes and gave up a combined 54 quarterback pressures. 

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Gabe Jackson is 28 and should still have several good years in front of him. He's well above average in pass protection and surrendered just 15 QB pressures in 11 games in 2019. While he's not been great in the run game lately, he'd still be an upgrade in that department over Cann/Richardson. I'm recent seasons Jackson has struggled a bit with the Raiders' zone-blocking scheme. If the Jaguars run a hybrid or gap scheme in 2020, as offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has run in the past, Jackson would be an even better fit. 

 But his $9.6 million salary might be prohibitive. If he'd be willing to restructure his contract to have some of his 2020 salary converted to a signing or roster bonus, then Jackson would immediately upgrade the Jaguars' offensive line in a big way. 

Would I pull the trigger?

Yes, but I wouldn't offer more than a 4th round pick. Jackson isn't old, but he hasn't played his best football over the last couple of years and he's struggled with some nagging injuries. I'd also make sure he'd be willing to restructure his 2020 salary, not costing him any money, but ensuring his cap hit wouldn't be the full $9.6 million. If he doesn't work out, the Jaguars would be able to part ways after 2020 with minimal dead cap in 2021. 

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