2024 Jaguars free agency: 5 potential defensive targets, including DL Calais Campbell
The start of NFL free agency is almost upon us. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of roster decisions to make over the next several weeks and months.
Earlier this month, we took a look at some of the players on Jacksonville's roster who should be kept. Two of the names who came up were cornerback Tre Herndon and outside linebacker Josh Allen.
Allen, seemingly, is headed for the franchise tag after general manager Trent Baalke said "Josh will be a Jaguar" during his end-of-year press conference.
![Jacksonville Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) celebrates after he intercepted an errant pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during late third quarter action. The Jaguars were tied with the Bills 6 to 6 at the end of the first half and went on to win the game with a final score of 9 to 6. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Buffalo Bills at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL, Sunday, November 7, 2021. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/U6qw8qoxyZUFttPx_qNHdA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY3Ng--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-florida-times-union/d581ec2a9a532e5324f62afc31077a22)
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Herndon is an interesting case as one of the longest-tenured players on Jacksonville's roster. His position is one of need, but the Jaguars may be positioning themselves to replace it in the draft.
With hundreds of players set to hit the open market soon, let's take a look at a few names the Jaguars could benefit from signing.
Danielle Hunter, OLB, Minnesota Vikings
There were reports of interest between the Jaguars and Hunter around the trade deadline last season. He could be a splash signing who'd immediately solve a need with Jacksonville's pass rush.
Hunter, 6-foot-5, 262 pounds had 16.5 sacks last season, if he played opposite Allen who had 17.5, and Travon Walker kicked inside to his position in college, it'd turn a weakness into a strength for the Jaguars.
2023 stats: 83 tackles, 23 tackles for loss (career-high), 22 quarterback hits and 16.5 sacks
Career stats: 462 total tackles, 108 tackles for loss, 134 quarterback hits and 87.5 sacks
Jeff Okudah, CB, Atlanta Falcons
Okudah played for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen last season in Atlanta and would add depth to a thin cornerback room.
Okudah, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, could blossom as a solution for the future with Tyson Campbell coming off an injury-riddled year and Darious Williams' contract ending next season.
2023 stats: 44 total tackles, three pass deflections, zero interceptions
Career stats: 168 total tackles, 13 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble
Kenny Moore II, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Moore would be an upgrade to Herndon should Jacksonville opt to move on from him. He's the model example for the modern slot defender with coverage skills and the ability to blitz from the secondary.
Signing Moore, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, would free the team from needing to draft a cornerback in an early round of this year's draft. Moore has said in interviews he wishes to remain in Indianapolis, but he'd be a good addition to Jacksonville's roster.
2023 stats: 93 total tackles, six pass deflections, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
Career stats: 516 total tackles, 54 pass deflections, 17 interceptions, 9.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Josh Uche, OLB, New England Patriots
Uche has struggled throughout his career, having a standout double-digit season in 2022, but not flashing in any of his other four years.
Uche, 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, would would add depth to a position of need for the Jaguars.
If K'Lavon Chaisson and Duwaune Smoot aren't retained, the Jaguars will not have any veteran edge players behind Allen or Walker. Uche could come in on passing downs to get after the quarterback.
2023 stats: 15 total tackles, three sacks
Career stats: 63 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, two forced fumbles
Calais Campbell, Defensive line, Atlanta Falcons
A reunion with the mayor? As one of the most well-liked players in franchise history, Campbell would be welcomed back by fans and staff alike.
Campbell, 6-foot-8, 282 pounds, played in Atlanta last season where he crossed the 100 career sacks threshold and reportedly took a visit with the Jaguars last offseason.
With Nielsen making the transition to Jacksonville, it would be plausible for Campbell to return. He'd address the need for defensive line depth and would add a veteran presence the Jaguars seemed to lack defensively last season.
2023 stats: 56 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass deflection
Career stats: 856 total tackles, 105.5 sacks, 58 pass deflections, 17 forced fumbles, three interceptions
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 2024 NFL free agency: 5 players Jaguars could target on defense
