Feb. 6, 2026, 9:03 a.m. ET
If the Jacksonville Jaguars choose to address the defensive tackle position in free agency, who are the best available options for GM James Gladstone?
The need at this position is twofold for the Jaguars. At a minimum, depth is needed.
Currently under contract in 2026 at this position are Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamiltonm Maason Smith, and Keivie Rose. Smith was a healthy scratch late in the year, and Rose spent his rookie season on the practice squad.
But in addition to more depth, the Jaguars also need more pass-rush juice from the interior. While the run defense unit for the Jaguars was the best in football last season, limiting opponents to roughly 85 rushing yards per game, Jacksonville struggled to generate steady pressure from the interior, particularly down the stretch.
One of the best ways to wreck a play for an offense is with a quick push up the middle, and that was often missing for the Jaguars.
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When it comes to free agency spending, it’s worth noting that the Jaguars do find themselves in a tight salary cap situation at the moment.
Gladstone could also address this position in the NFL draft, where he has 11 picks, including four in the top 100. The draft class seems to be particularly strong at this position.
With help from Pro Football Focus’ free agency big board, here are the top available players at defensive tackle.
10 best available free agent defensive tackles for JaguarsDJ Reader, LionsCalais Campbell, CardinalsDavid Onyemata, FalconsDaQuan Jones, BillsJohn Franklin-Myers, BroncosSebastian Joseph-Day, TitansSheldon Rankins, TexansDa’Shawn Hand, ChargersLevi Onwuzurike, LionsShelby Harris, Browns