Jaguars' Combine Week: Key Questions and Strategies
As the NFL combine kicks off, the Jacksonville Jaguars, along with the rest of the league, are gearing up for a pivotal week. Prospects will showcase their skills through on-field testing and position-specific drills, while also undergoing medical evaluations and meeting with NFL teams. With free agency looming, the Jaguars have a busy agenda ahead.
Creating Salary Cap Space
The Jaguars find themselves $13.24 million over the projected 2026 salary cap, according to Over the Cap. James Gladstone, the team's cap strategist, faces the challenge of navigating this financial tightrope.
Options on the table include veteran cuts, trades, contract restructures, and potential extensions, like one for Travon Walker. Expect a flurry of cap-related moves in the coming weeks as Gladstone works to create the necessary financial flexibility.
Addressing Defensive Tackle Needs
Defensive tackle is a critical area of need for the Jaguars. While the team excelled at run defense last season, they struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Analyst Ben Solak points out the limited options available in both free agency and the draft. The Jaguars will need to get creative in bolstering this unit to enhance their pass rush capabilities.
Free Agency Decisions: Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne
Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne stand out as the Jaguars' top free agents. Lloyd, coming off a stellar year, is expected to attract significant interest and a lucrative contract. The Jaguars' cap situation complicates their ability to retain him, raising questions about who might line up next to Foye Oluokun if Lloyd departs.
Etienne, after a strong 2025 season, fits well within Liam Coen's offensive scheme. The Jaguars have prepared for this scenario by drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, giving them options should Etienne move on.
Absence from the NFL Combine
Interestingly, James Gladstone and Liam Coen have opted out of attending the NFL combine this year. ESPN's Michael DiRocco explains that the Jaguars prefer to evaluate prospects through film and rely on their extensive scouting reports. This approach, inspired by the Rams' successful strategy, avoids the potential bias of short, in-person meetings with prospects.
As the Jaguars navigate these challenges, their decisions in the coming weeks will shape the team's future. With strategic cap management and shrewd personnel moves, Jacksonville aims to build a roster capable of contending in 2026 and beyond.