The Jacksonville Jaguars jump out as an obvious candidate to be a buyer before the 4 p.m. NFL trade deadline Tuesday.
At 6-2, they’re well-positioned to win the AFC South and potentially make a run at their first ever Super Bowl appearance. But an underwhelming pass rush that ranks 25th in the NFL in sacks could be the weak link that holds the Jaguars back.
So, logically, it’d make sense for Jacksonville — a team still loaded with draft capital — to move some pieces Tuesday to go after one of the pass rushers potentially on the market.
“You look and see if there’s a player that could help you, I don’t think you go searching just to search for anybody,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Monday. “You got to make sure it’s the right fit. Somebody that can add value and a piece that you’re maybe missing.
“We are getting some guys healthy and back too, so that plays a factor in it here in the next few weeks. We’ll take a look and if it’s a no-brainer, you pull the trigger, if not, you move on with guys you have because they’re the ones that got you here.”
Among the players the Jaguars could get back from injury are wide receiver Zay Jones, cornerback Tyson Campbell, and safety Andre Cisco, who all missed the team’s Week 8 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There’s also defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who only played 14 snaps in his first game back from injured reserve, who could provide more push up the middle.
Still, there’s a reason multiple reports indicate the Jaguars made an effort to acquire Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason.
