The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of their best seasons in franchise history in 2025.<\/p>\n
Head Coach Liam Coen guided the Jaguars to a 13-4 record, their second-best season in team history, and clinched the AFC South title. Sadly for Jacksonville, the season ended on a low note as the team was eliminated at home by the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the loss, the Jaguars can\u2019t afford to dwell on the disappointing end to their season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If Jacksonville wants to reach the playoffs and go further in the postseason than ever before, they need to make the following five moves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Extend Travis Etienne<\/p>\n
Travis Etienne<\/a> was a standout player for the Jaguars this season. Although other running backs on the roster, like Bhayshul Tuten<\/a> and LeQuint Allen<\/a> Jr., have shown promise when given chances, Etienne\u2019s influence on the Jaguars\u2019 offense remained unmatched.<\/p>\n Etienne led all Jaguars skill position players with 1,399 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns. He also shone in the Wild Card round against Buffalo, rushing for 67 yards and catching five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n Paying a running back in the NFL is often seen as a luxury; however, for the Jaguars, that is not the case. Etienne is a key player for this team and has truly established himself as a leader.<\/p>\n Make a Plan for Travis Hunter<\/p>\n When the Jaguars traded up to select Travis Hunter<\/a> in last year\u2019s draft, the plan was to play him both ways equally. However, Hunter suffered a knee injury midseason during practice, which sidelined him for the rest of the year.<\/p>\n In Hunter\u2019s absence, Parker Washington<\/a> stepped up and exceeded expectations, becoming one of Trevor Lawrence<\/a>\u2019s most trusted targets.<\/p>\n Hunter\u2019s body likely can\u2019t handle 70 percent of the snaps on both sides of the ball in the NFL. Because of this, the Jaguars should move him into a full-time defensive role while also including him in some offensive packages. This strategy would help manage his workload and keep him healthy.<\/p>\n Keep Improving the Defense<\/p>\n The Jaguars\u2019 defense was one of the best in the league, mainly because of standout performances from Devin Lloyd<\/a> and Josh Hines-Allen<\/a>. However, Jacksonville lacks the essential element that makes great defenses: depth.<\/p>\n Jacksonville would gain from adding another pass rusher alongside Travon Walker<\/a> and Hines-Allen. Signing a player like Derek Barnett<\/a> would significantly boost the Jaguars\u2019 pass rush, as Barnett\u2019s five sacks this season would have been third on the team.<\/p>\n Cornerback has been the Jaguars\u2019 biggest defensive weakness, and even if Hunter transitions primarily to the position, additional help will still be needed. Adding a player like Rasul Douglas<\/a> could boost this defense into a top-five unit.<\/p>\n Protect Trevor Lawrence<\/p>\n Protecting the quarterback is the most critical responsibility for any offense, and the Jaguars can strengthen their offensive line with one signing this offseason. Guard John Simpson<\/a> is set to become a free agent. He would be a great addition to the Jaguars\u2019 line.<\/p>\n Simpson has been a part of a talented unit in New York and has truly grown into a leader over his two seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n Simpson would not only bolster the Jaguars\u2019 offensive line but also add another experienced voice in the locker room.<\/p>\n Be Aggressive in the Trade Market<\/p>\n The Jaguars cannot afford to hesitate in the trade market, as Super Bowl windows can close just as quickly as they open. The team should consider potential buy-low candidates like Rashan Gary<\/a>, who experienced a tough year but could boost Jacksonville\u2019s defensive line at a lower cost.<\/p>\n