After a disappointing 2023 campaign in which the Jacksonville Jaguars missed the playoffs entirely, general manager Trent Baalke and the rest of the club’s front office have to face the 2024 offseason.
A record-setting extension for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence could be on the docket, but the Jaguars also need to focus on their pending free agent class. Which players will Jacksonville try to re-sign next offseason?
Who Are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Upcoming Free Agents?
WR Calvin Ridley
We still don’t know exactly what sort of package the Jaguars will end up sending to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Calvin Ridley. Jacksonville’s already shipped a 2023 fifth-rounder to Atlanta. If they don’t re-sign Ridley, the Jaguars will give the Falcons a 2024 third-round pick.
MORE: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
If Jacksonville inks Ridley to an extension, it will have to give Atlanta a 2024 second-round selection. As such, the Jaguars will likely allow Ridley to hit free agency, even if they plan to sign him to a long-term deal.
Ridley has had his moments in 2023 and helped to open up Jacksonville’s offense, but he barley eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in his Jaguars debut campaign.
Ridley will be entering his age-29 campaign in 2024, and the free agent wide receiver market will provide alternative options for pass-catcher-needy clubs. However, with Tee Higgins already franchise-tagged, and Michael Pittman Jr. also a candidate for the tag, Ridley will have a market.
The franchise tag won’t be an option for Ridley, both because fellow Christian Kirk already has a $24+ million cap charge in 2024 and because the Jaguars will likely need the tag for a player on the other side of the ball — pass rusher Josh Allen.
EDGE Josh Allen
Allen has always been an above-average edge rusher since Jacksonville selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. But the 26-year-old put up the best season of his career at the best possible time — in his contract year.
Allen ranked second in the league with 17.5 sacks, and his underlying metrics support his production. He’s hit opposing quarterbacks 33 times, per Pro Football Reference, while ranked third among edge defenders in pressure rate (19.6%) and eighth in pass-rush win rate (19.7%), according to Sports Info Solutions and Pro Football Focus.
Nick Bosa’s $34 million-per-year extension with the San Francisco 49ers reset the pass-rushing market this summer. While Allen won’t approach that salary level, he’ll have every right to ask for $28+ million annually.
If the Jaguars were willing to give Allen what he wants on a long-term deal, an extension would likely be done by now. For now, a franchise tag seems like the most likely outcome.
G Ezra Cleveland
The Jaguars added offensive-line depth by acquiring Ezra Cleveland from the Minnesota Vikings at the trade deadline, and they’re glad they did. With left tackle Cam Robinson on injured reserve, Jacksonville was forced to shift Walker Little to the blindside while inserting Cleveland at left guard.
MORE: Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart
The Jags’ offensive line is now in flux. Robinson could be cut, leaving a void at LT that Little or 2023 first-rounder Anton Harrison could fill. Either way, Cleveland seems unlikely to return to Jacksonville. Still, he should find a decent deal in a weak interior offensive line class.
Other Jaguars 2024 Free Agents
- RB D’Ernest Johnson
- WR Jamal Agnew
- G Blake Hance (restricted free agent)
- C Tyler Shatley
- EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
- EDGE Dawuane Smoot
- DT Angelo Blackson
- DT Jeremiah Ledbetter (RFA)
- LB Caleb Johnson (RFA)
- LB Shaquille Quarterman
- CB Chris Claybrooks (RFA)
- CB Tre Herndon
- S Daniel Thomas
- K Brandon McManus
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!