The Jacksonville Jaguars have a solid core in place. They already had a few playmakers in the mix last year, but the new regime did a good job of rounding out the roster in the offseason. That said, the Jags could still use a few upgrades at a few position groups.
Granted, the team's brass probably won't make any meaningful additions in the remainder of the year and will likely wait until 2026 to further replenish the roster. But what if Jacksonville could poach any player they could from each of their AFC South rivals? Who would go after? These three difference-makers come to mind.
The Jaguars would love to poach Derek Stingley Jr. from the Texans
After signing Jourdan Lewis and drafting Travis Hunter, the Jaguars have a pretty solid cornerback round. Couple that with Montaric Brown's strong offseason, and they appear to be set at the position. Having said that, none of their corners are as talented as Derek Stingley.
The third overall selection in 2022, Stingley dealt with the usual ups and downs that come with being a rookie. However, he showed notable improvement in his sophomore campaign and had become an All-Pro by Year 3.
To nobody's surprise, the Houston Texans got ahead of the curve and made the former LSU Tiger the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL after 2024. One look at his production validates their decision. Aside from giving up less than 10.0 yards per reception last year, Stingley has surrendered a completion rate of less than 50.0 percent each of the past two seasons. If that wasn't enough, he's logged 10 interceptions and 31 pass deflections in that span.
Simply put, Stingley would take the Jags' cornerback unit from good to great.
The Jaguars would love to poach Braden Smith from the Indianapolis Colts
The Jags spared no expense to beef up the offensive line in the offseason. They first signed two starters and two backs in free agency and later invested a pair of draft picks on Wyatt Milum and Jonah Monheim. There's no doubt that the group looks in much better shape, but they could still use a boost, especially at right tackle.
Third-year right tackle Anton Harrison was inconsistent in the offseason, which led the coaching staff to split his reps with free-agent acquisition Chuma Edoga. While Harrison should end up starting next season, his future beyond 2025 could be in question if he doesn't put it all together.
Now, it's hard to see the Jaguars outright looking for a replacement for Harrison, but Braden Smith would certainly be an upgrade at right tackle.
Smith has been one of the best right tackles in the league since the Indianapolis Colts made him a second-round selection in 2018. Sure, he's dealt with injuries and missed 19 games dating back to 2021. Moreover, he's coming off a relatively down season, but the former Auburn Tigers is still one of the best offensive tackles in the league, certainly better than Harrison.
The Jaguars would love to poach Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans
The Jaguars didn't make any major additions at defensive tackle in 2025 but should get better production from the group for a couple reasons. The first one is that sophomore Maason Smith is expected to build off of his strong finish to 2024. Second, Arik Armstead will switch back inside after playing defensive end last season. On top of that, DaVon Hamilton will take on a reserve role, so Jacksonville will have a balanced rotation.
But as promising as the group looks ahead of 2025, the Jaguars wouldn't hesitate to go after Jeffery Simmons if they could. Because the Tennessee Titans have a new general manager in Mike Borgonzi, there were rumors that their star defensive tackle could be on the trade block just before this year's draft took place.
Simmons remains in Tennessee, and it doesn't look like he will be leaving anytime soon, and that's the right call. The past four seasons, the 2019 first-round selection has logged 26.5 sacks and earned two Second-Team All-Pro designations, along with three Pro Bowl nods. The last thing the Titans would want is to move on from Simmons only to see him sign with the Jags.
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