Jaguars named obvious trade fit for Commanders star

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered their bye week in excellent position. Jacksonville looks like one of the AFC’s best teams after starting the season 4-2. Could they be buyers ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 10th?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranked players who could be traded at the deadline in a recent article. He ranked Commanders DT Daron Payne at number six on his list of 25 players.

“Washington dealt key defensive pieces at the deadline three years ago and could be faced with a similar predicament this time with Payne, who’s 29 and still has value,” Fowler wrote. “Payne is a 2027 free agent with a $16.4 million base this year. But the NFC East is also winnable, despite Washington’s 1-4-1 record, so that could be a point in favor of the Commanders keeping him.”

The Commanders would face an uphill climb to compete in the NFC East. If they do decide to trade Payne, Fowler things Jacksonville is an ideal landing spot.

“Jacksonville is a potential fit, with some in the league noting the Jaguars could use a versatile interior player with pass-rush ability and have looked for that since the offseason,” Fowler added.

Fowler is not the only NFL insider who believes Jacksonville could be active at the deadline.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote on Wednesday about the possibility of the Jaguars making a deal. He recalled when the Jags shocked the league by acquiring Jakobi Meyers last season.

“I’m also very curious to see what the Jaguars do,” Graziano wrote. “They see themselves as a top AFC contender. I agree with them, but they could use one more piece up front on defense. Remember, the Jags were kind of a surprise at last year’s deadline with their move for Jakobi Meyers, who helped fuel their second-half run.”

It will be fascinating to see if GM James Gladstone makes another bold move at the deadline this season.

Next up for the Jaguars is a Week 9 matchup against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football.