March 23, 2026, 7:31 a.m. ET
With NFL free agency at a near standstill, we will be evaluating the current state of each Jacksonville Jaguars’ position group, specifically, where things stand and whether or not more moves need to be made.
Compared to the rest of the league, it’s been a very quiet free agency period for the Jaguars. GM James Gladstone recently explained the reason behind that, and it has to do with the 2027 compensatory draft picks the Jaguars are projected to land. I would also guess that the Jaguars‘ tight salary cap situation isn’t helping things either in that regard.
So the best avenue for addressing their remaining needs likely comes in the NFL draft, where the Jaguars have 11 picks — including four in the top 100 — and flexibility, allowing the board to dictate which direction they go at each selection.
Up next in our review are the defensive ends. If you missed our other positional reviews, you can find them below.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Jaguars’ defensive ends under contract after free agencyJosh Hines-AllenTravon WalkerBJ GreenDanny StriggowJaguars‘ free agency moves at defensive endFree agent DE Emmanuel Ogbah remains unsigned.Free agent DE Dawuane Smoot remains unsigned.What is the need at defensive end for the Jaguars after free agency?
At a minimum, more depth is needed at this position. The Jaguars need to add several more players to round out their training camp roster, but boosting the depth, in turn, hopefully elevates competition and raises the floor of this unit.
But beyond that, while the Jaguars are situated well at the top of this position with Hines-Allen and Walker, more steady pass rush production from the rotational members of this unit is needed.
While the Jaguars boasted the NFL’s stingiest run defense last season, Jacksonville ranked 18th in pressure rate and 27th in sacks as a collective group.
Defensive end is certainly a position we could see the Jaguars add to right away or somewhat early on in the NFL draft.