The Jaguars’ path at the trade deadline got a lot clearer after Sunday’s win over the Colts.
Jacksonville is sitting in a strong spot in the AFC South, with Indianapolis sliding, Tennessee at 1-7 and Houston not living up to expectations. But if the Jaguars want to do more than just hold the division lead, they’re going to need reinforcements.
That need became even more obvious after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton is done for the season.
“Sources: Jaguars standout DT DaVon Hamilton suffered a torn quad in Sunday's win over the Colts, and he's expected to be out for the season," Rapoport reported. "Hamilton will undergo more tests today, but a massive hole for Jacksonville.”
That injury leaves Jacksonville thin in the middle of its defensive line, and it comes at a bad time. The Jaguars were already tied to defensive tackle help before Hamilton went down, so the priority at the deadline now looks pretty straightforward.
The position to watch is DT, and the Jaguars may have to shop aggressively to fill it. One name to keep in mind is Philadelphia’s Moro Ojomo, who would bring quality as a rental even if the price is steep. There have also been rumors about Jalen Carter being available, though that kind of move could cost two first-round picks.
Ojomo is the more realistic target. The problem for Jacksonville is that there aren’t many strong defensive tackles on the market, and competition could push the price up fast.
Still, the need is hard to ignore now. Hamilton’s injury has left a major gap up front, and it’s hard to see the Jaguars going into the stretch run without adding help there before the November 10 trade deadline.
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Johnsons arrival helps plug an obvious hole, but it may not be the only move Jacksonville makes at the position. The Jaguars are expected to keep evaluating defensive tackle options in the coming weeks, a sign that Hamiltons absence could push the team to keep searching for more help up front. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Just Caught A Huge Break In Week 9
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For Jacksonville, that kind of break matters in a crowded AFC race, especially with Trevor Lawrence steering an offense that has played well alongside a defense that has been among the leagues best by EPA per play. The Jaguars have earned their strong position, but the timing of this opponents injuries gives them a real opening to keep momentum rolling and protect their place in the division. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Suddenly Face A Big Problem In The Middle Of Their Defense
The middle of the Jaguars defense took a major hit in the game against the Colts, when DaVon Hamilton suffered a torn quad injury that is expected to end his season. Hamilton has been one of Jacksonvilles most important pieces against the run, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in a unit that leans on him for both production and presence.
Hamilton is also one of the steadier voices in the locker room, which makes this loss about more than just snaps and tackles. He is scheduled to undergo additional tests to get a fuller read on the injury, but for Jacksonville the immediate concern is how to replace a key interior defender and a team leader at a spot where depth is already being tested. [Read more 🡒]