The Jacksonville Jaguars came into the season as one of the more exciting teams in the NFL. As we head into Week 8 and the Jags sit at 5-2, that sentiment rings true. The Jaguars have not only proven they are capable of making it into the playoffs once again in 2023, they look like a team that can make a run once there as well.
However, with the expectation being this team is for real now and not just a one-off, it may be worth it for the Jags’ front office to start looking at possible additions they can make at the deadline to put them over the top. With the deadline fast approaching, let’s look at some names that could make sense for them to add.
Jacksonville Jaguars Trade Deadline Moves
Last season, the Jaguars were unafraid of looking towards the future when they surprised the league and traded for then-suspended wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Since joining the team, Ridley has been an excellent addition to their offense and has meshed nicely with QB Trevor Lawrence almost from day one.
With an eye more focused on the here and now, it may be advantageous for the franchise to strike again.
Chase Young, DE, Washington Commanders
The rumors surrounding Young have been loud and constant over the last few weeks. The type of smoke that makes you believe there may be a fire there. Young did not have his fifth-year option picked up by the Commanders, and if the team is either deciding they do not want to extend his stay or fearful of losing him for nothing, he may be on the move soon.
So far this season, Young has been productive for the Commanders’ defense and looks healthy for the first time in his career. Through five games this season, Young has tallied 14 tackles and five sacks while also being tough in the run game and commanding offensive line attention no matter where he lines up.
#Commanders DE Chase Young has 2 sacks in the first half! 😤
Can Washington’s offense wake up? #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Cq6gNgqblE
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 22, 2023
This Jaguars team is loaded with talent all over the roster. The team has been aggressive in free agency along with early contributors in the draft.
But they lack another pure pass rusher to help disrupt opposing QBs.
MORE: Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart
While Young has dealt with injuries and has only scratched the surface so far in his career, this could be a help for now and maybe even the future.
Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers
A common theme for all three of these guys is an expiring contract. A player that has either been injured, or is expecting a payday in the offseason where their current team may not have the ability, or the want, to keep them with a big-time investment. The latter may be the case for Burns and the Carolina Panthers. The productive pass rusher has been rumored to be available.
Through six games this season, Burns has tallied 20 tackles and four sacks while looking like one of the bright spots on an otherwise talent-deficient Panthers team.
Could the #Panthers move Brian Burns, Jeremy Chinn or Donte Jackson before the #NFL trade deadline?
Sources told @caplannfl Burns drew significant interest last season.
More on #PFN365: https://t.co/hfHB5CAK93#KeepPounding
pic.twitter.com/T815e77rcE— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 24, 2023
While the Panthers may view Burns as a cornerstone piece, the team is not nearly close enough as a roster to compete with the top-tier teams in the NFL.
A nice trade package may help them move in the right direction as they build in the future.
Adding Burns to the mix with another pass rusher in Josh Allen, who may be the exact piece the team needs to complete a talented defense.
Mike Onwenu, OL, New England Patriots
In the NFL, you can never have too much depth, especially at the offensive line position. It seems like teams across the league are just one injury away from being in real trouble with the big men upfront. With such being the case, it may be hard to pry Onwenu away from the New England Patriots, but the Pats are the type of team to get ahead of situations before they happen.
Onwenu has played both left and right guard and right tackle during his time in New England. That type of versatility at the NFL level is something every team in the NFL looks to have.
On the field, Onwenu would compete for a starting spot at LG with Walker Little and, at the very least, become a vital chess piece who has shown the ability to play multiple positions on the line. The former sixth-round pick is in the last year of his deal, and if the Pats do not want to sign him to a long-term deal, this could be their way of moving on in what many feel is a lost season.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!