The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a season that reignited hope in Duval. An AFC South title will do that. But as the team looks to build on that momentum, some major decisions loom - and none bigger than what to do with Travis Etienne.
Etienne has been a central figure in this Jaguars resurgence. He’s had his share of highs and lows, but his chemistry with Trevor Lawrence has been a consistent bright spot.
And under offensive coordinator Liam Coen last season, Etienne hit another gear. He became more than just a backfield weapon - he became a focal point.
Now, with free agency approaching, general manager James Gladstone has a critical call to make: bring Etienne back, or risk reshaping the offense without one of its most dynamic pieces.
But Etienne isn’t the only name on Jacksonville’s radar. The Jags have a chance to be aggressive in free agency - and there are a few under-the-radar targets who could make a real impact.
Let’s start with Alec Pierce. The wide receiver enters March as one of the more intriguing names on the market, especially after a breakout season where he averaged a staggering 21.3 yards per catch and crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time. That kind of vertical threat doesn’t come along often.
Coen and the Jaguars got an up-close look at him in December, when he hauled in five catches for 80 yards. And that was with a revolving door at quarterback - from Daniel Jones to Anthony Richardson to a late-season appearance by Phillip Rivers. Despite the instability, Pierce kept producing.
In Jacksonville’s offense, the fit makes a lot of sense. Coen could use Pierce’s size (6-foot-3) and speed to create mismatches, especially in the red zone.
He’d give Lawrence a big-bodied target who can stretch the field and take some of the pressure off Travis Hunter, who’s expected to return. That’s the kind of addition that doesn’t just improve your offense - it transforms it.
Then there’s the defensive side of the ball, where Jacksonville might have a little revenge on its mind.
After watching Calvin Ridley sign with division rival Tennessee, the Jaguars could respond by poaching someone of their own - edge rusher Arden Key.
Key has expressed interest in returning to the Titans, but Jacksonville offers a compelling opportunity. He’d be reunited with Arik Armstead, his former 49ers teammate.
The last time those two shared a defensive front, Key posted a career-high 6.5 sacks. And let’s not forget: he already knows this Jaguars system, having notched four sacks with the team back in 2022.
Now, he’d be part of a potentially dominant trio alongside Armstead and Josh Hines-Allen. That’s a front that could create serious problems for opposing quarterbacks - and Key’s familiarity with the personnel and scheme only sweetens the deal.
On the back end of the defense, Jacksonville has another opportunity to make a splash - this time by targeting a rising star from the Rams: safety Kam Curl.
Curl has developed into a turnover magnet under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. And while he’s said he’d like to return to the Rams, the reality is he’s going to be one of the most sought-after defensive backs on the market.
The numbers back it up. Curl just posted a career-best 122 tackles and matched his career total in pass breakups from his time in Washington - 14 - in just two seasons with the Rams. He’s a playmaker, plain and simple.
And for a Jaguars defense that finished 21st against the pass, that’s exactly what they need. A veteran presence who can stabilize the secondary, bring leadership, and make game-changing plays.
Curl would also continue the trend of Gladstone and Coen - both former Rams - bringing in players who understand their vision and culture. That continuity matters, especially for a team trying to take the next step from division champs to legitimate AFC contenders.
So yes, re-signing Etienne is critical. But the bigger picture here is clear: the Jaguars have a chance to get better - a lot better - with a few smart moves. And if they play it right, Jacksonville could be even more dangerous in 2026.