Jaguars Face Tough Choices in 2026 Free Agency

Being a 10-4 team has its perks, including incredible talents on offense and defense. There is no shortage of it with linebacker Devin Lloyd as the team's top defender this season, Travis Etienne Jr. having a career year, Jakobi Meyers becoming an important offensive weapon, and Montaric Brown becoming the team's top outside cornerback.

The only problem, and it's a significant one: they're all pending free agents. The reality is that not all of these key players will be re-signed this offseason, which is a massive bummer for either one of these position groups and Gladstone, who will be searching for their replacements one way or another.

Jacksonville will have just over $9 million in salary cap space with the fourth-most dead money in the NFL, which means Gladstone will have to maneuver money around the roster and cut some key players in the process, though it is a discussion for another day. The Jaguars will also have to consider a Travon Walker extension this offseason, which will factor into the team's decisions with key free agents.

If any of Lloyd, Etienne, Brown, and Meyers hit free agency, they'll be highly sought after because of the value they have provided for each position group, and will get paid a lot of money in the process. Two players I would undoubtedly re-sign with Jacksonville are Lloyd and Meyers, as Brown and Etienne are and can be replaceable in free agency or the NFL Draft.

I think there will be a number of debates around the Jaguars free agent pool as the franchise tag is in play for guys like Lloyd and Etienne. Despite much success this season, the Jaguars must be careful to avoid a situation like the Washington Commanders with aging talent at certain position groups that could lack depth. Only one way to find out how this turns out in a few months.

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