Knocking on The Door

The 2017 NFL season ended for the Jacksonville Jaguars in a place where many seasons come to an end.  Their defeat by the New England Patriots in Foxboro brought the young team's season to a close in the AFC Championship Game.  But unlike some other franchises where a loss to the Patriots seems to end their run, this one is seemingly just beginning.

The Jaguars finished as AFC South champions and established an identity as one of the most physical football teams in the NFL.  The Jaguars second ranked defense mirrored their NFL finish in quarterback sacks.  "Sacksonville" became a destination where quarterbacks go to the ground regularly.

The emergence of rookie running back Leonard Fournette as a force on the ground gave the offense a new look from their previous pass-heavy versions.  Fournette rushed for over 1,000 yards despite missing three games due to injury and being benched for a violation of team rules.

In recent offseasons, the Jaguars have used their cap space to make high-priced additions to their defense.  Those pieces paid off in 2017 with the season turned in by defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson, along with cornerback AJ Bouye.  Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebackers Telvin Smith and Myles Jack each enjoyed their best seasons in the NFL.  

Jacksonville doesn't have the cap space going into this offseason that they have in the past.  The team has chosen to stick with quarterback Blake Bortles and pickup his 5th year option worth $19M in 2018.  While the Jaguars will have some decisions to make with their own free agent receivers, this team will return largely intact for the 2018 season.

The Jaguars are knocking on the door in the AFC.  The question this offseason will be if they can make the progress to kick it in and get to the Super Bowl next season?

Offensive Ranking: 6th

Defensive Ranking: 2nd

Key Free Agents:  

Allen Robinson - WR - The 24 year old receiver missed most of last season after tearing his ACL in his left knee.  Robinson was an 800 yard receiver in 2016 after breaking the 1,400 yard mark in 2015.  He will be an intriguing free agent who has shown he can takeover games in the NFL.  May be looking at a one year deal in order to pove his health and get back to free agency in 2019.

Marqise Lee - WR - Caught 56 passes in 2017 after making 65 catches in 2016.  Lee has established himself as a quality 2nd option in the NFL. 

Paul Posluszny - LB - The veteran linebacker played in 16 games despite having his role in the defense limited from his previous seasons.  Will turn 34 years old during the 2018 season.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Allen Hurns - WR - Hurns has been unable to come close to his numbers from the 2015 season in which Hurns caught over 1,000 yards worth of passes.  Hurns caught just 39 passes for 484 yards and two touchdowns.  Cap savings: $7M

Chris Ivory - RB - Ivory recorded just 3.4 yards per carry for the Jaguars in 2017.  The physical runner hits the very unfriendly age of 30 years old before training camp.  Cap savings: $4M