The Jacksonville Jaguars may have addressed several needs in the NFL draft, but ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz believes one key area still needs attention: edge rusher depth behind stars Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. With limited experienced backups, the team could benefit from adding a veteran presence to the rotation.
Schatz recently highlighted five free-agent pass rushers who could fit the Jaguars' scheme—options he initially discussed for the Houston Texans but noted would also work well in Jacksonville. Here's a closer look at each candidate and what they bring to the table:
Haason Reddick has been one of the most disruptive edge rushers in recent years, posting 155 total pressures during his standout 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Though his production dipped slightly last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (34 pressures, three sacks), his proven ability to collapse the pocket makes him an intriguing option.
Joey Bosa enjoyed a resurgence in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills, recording 54 pressures and five sacks—his most productive campaign in several seasons. His combination of power and technique could provide a valuable veteran complement to the Jaguars' young starters.
Leonard Floyd has been a model of consistency, tallying at least 44 pressures every season from 2020 through 2024, including a career-high 73 in 2021. Last season, he remained steady with 36 pressures, proving he can still be a reliable contributor off the edge.
Derek Barnett may not have the same gaudy numbers as the others—77 pressures over the last three seasons—but he brings invaluable experience with over 4,000 career snaps. His familiarity with high-pressure situations could be a stabilizing force in the locker room.
Denico Autry has been a consistent rotational force, logging three straight seasons of 50-plus pressures from 2021 to 2023 before posting 45 pressures over the last two years with the Houston Texans. His versatility and ability to generate pressure from multiple alignments add depth to any defensive front.
The Jaguars don't have significant cap space, but at this point in the offseason, these signings wouldn't require a major financial commitment. Plus, any additions made now won't count toward the 2027 compensatory pick formula—a savvy move for a team looking to build sustainable depth.
General manager James Gladstone showed last season he's not afraid to make post-draft moves. With training camp on the horizon, adding one of these veteran pass rushers could be the final piece to solidify Jacksonville's defensive line.