Big Cat Country
Despite a disappointing first round exit in the playoffs, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 season can generally be considered a success. With a new front office and coaching staff in place and a significant overhaul of the roster, the Jags jumped from four wins to thirteen and won the AFC South. The ultimate goal of course is a Super Bowl, but Liam Coen and James Gladstone will be satisfied with the foundations they have built in year one.
With the offseason already underway for all but four franchises, attention turns to further roster reconstruction. In the first of two articles we break down which positions the Jaguars will look to address via free agency and the NFL Draft – beginning with offense:
This is no slight on the performance of the ground game in Jacksonville in 2025. Lead back Travis Etienne had his best output since his first year on the field, delivering the third 1,000 yard rushing season of his career. Capably backed up by fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten and an added scramble element to Trevor Lawrence’s skillset, the Jaguars finished middle of the pack in total rushing yards (1,956), and fourth in the league in rushing touchdowns (22). Consistent, physical but maybe lacking an explosive element, the Jags were able to run the ball enough for Lawrence to take the next step as a passer.
A first round pick in 2021, Etienne had his option picked up by Jacksonville and is an impending free agent this offseason. Considering his consistency and proficiency as a pass-catcher, there’s a school of thought that he could command more money elsewhere than Gladstone would be willing to offer him. If Etienne does move on, then the Jaguars will be in the market for another ball carrier.
Whether that would be a lead back as a direct replacement depends on the team’s confidence in Tuten being able to carry a heavier workload. LeQuint Allen, another rookie, had a modest role in 2025 but has flashed as a third down back on occasion. I’m fairly confident the Jaguars won’t want to pour resources into the position, and we could be looking at more of a committee approach in 2026. Either way, it’s probably the biggest need to address.
The in-season trade and subsequent extension for Jakobi Myers, coupled with the ascension of Parker Washington, means that the need for receiver reinforcements is a lot less urgent than it could have been. Myers, Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. look set for significant roles going into next season, with all three having created chemistry with Trevor Lawrence either this past year or the one before. Thomas will hope his regression in 2025 was nothing more than a sophomore slump – if we’re banking on raw talent, we can be confident of a BTJ renaissance this coming season.
Behind those three, the picture gets murky for two reasons. Firstly – and this will be a repetitive theme for the duration of his...
