The Jacksonville Jaguars underwent a roster overhaul in free agency. While inadequate coaching played a role in their 4-13 record in 2024, they also lacked the talent and depth to win football games on a consistent basis. That's why the new regime wasted no time moving on from several long-time contributors and signed several players to address most of the team's immediate needs.
On the other hand, several returning players will benefit from the additions the Jags made in free agency. These three immediately come to mind.
Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. was the fourth receiver taken in last year's draft, but it didn't take him long to prove that he was the best of the bunch, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. On top of that, he was a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
What makes Thomas' success look even more impressive is that he caught passes from Mac Jones nearly half of the season, and opposing teams routinely zero in on him. But despite the extra attention, the former LSU Tiger. Imagine what he can do with a better team around him.
Well, you don't really have to imagine. After all, the Jags got another deep threat to line opposite Thomas in Dyami Brown. The former Washington Commander should draw coverage away from his second-year counterpart and leave him with more favorable matchups.
On top of that, the front office revamped the offensive line, so Trevor Lawrence will have plenty of time to dial up deep passes and connect with Thomas. Expected an even better season from the Lousiana native.
Tank Bigsby, running back
Another player who'll benefit from the reinforcements made to the offensive line is Tank Bigsby. After an underwhelming rookie season, the former Auburn Tiger showed last year that he can be a featured back, toting the rock 168 times for 766 yards with seven touchdowns while splitting the backfield with partner in crime Travis Etienne.
Whether Etienne gets traded, Bigsby should see an uptick in playing time and should be able to make the most out of it behind an improved offensive line. Last season, the Jags' 2.13 yards before contact were the second-worst in the league. That should change in 2025.
Brenton Strange, tight end
The Jaguars showed full trust in Brenton Strange when they cut ties with Evan Engram in free agency. Then, they doubled down when they added Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt to their tight end room. Both of them are capable reserves, but neither is a starter material.
Engram could've still helped the Jags in 2025, but Strange's improvement last year might've been the reason, at least partially, the team's brass moved on from the veteran tight end.
A third-round pick in 2023, Strange was mostly a non-factor as a rookie. However, he was pressed into action last year when Engram missed time and showed up, amassing 40 catches for 411 yards with two touchdowns.
With Engram no longer in the fold, Strange is poised to keep making strides in 2025.
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