The Jacksonville Jaguars have the most cap space in the league this offseason and with reports of the team signing Julius Thomas as a free agent from the Broncos, names like DeMarco Murray, Reggie Bush, Greg Hardy and Darren McFadden could be potential targets and this comes after the team has reportedly added Jared Odrick, Davon House and Jermey Parnell.
The Jaguars are a terrible team with the run they have had over the past few years, but in the NFL teams go from worst to first all the time. While the Jaguars have been very bad, they also have been able to stockpile young talent and if Blake Bortles can be a solid quarterback, this team can be a factor in the AFC. While they likely will not come close to the playoffs, getting close to .500 or 7-9 is progress and that is definitely attainable for the team.
Bortles showed some promise as a rookie and the Jaguars have as much young talent on their roster as anyone. The team has Bortles along with Denard Robinson, Justin Blackmon, Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns and they will add another top prospect in the draft this year. ESPN.com is reporting that Thomas is set to sign with the Jaguars and that news previously came out last week. Sources said that Thomas will sign a multiyear deal and it will be worth nearly $9 million per season.
Thomas is coming off of two solid years with the Broncos, catching 12 touchdown passes from Peyton Manning. Thomas has made 108 catches in that time and he now could be the top target on offense for Bortles. Thomas is taking the money here, but for a player that came out of nowhere to be a strong starter for the Broncos and is 26 years old, no one can fault him for that. Thomas should be able to thrive in Jacksonville and he gives the team a solid offensive option.
DeMarco Murray is on the market and the Jaguars keep coming up in connection with him, as they have a ton of cap space and the chance to give him a major contract. The Cowboys are hoping that doesn't happen, as they want to retain Murray, but the Jaguars continue to come up as an option. The team has been active in free agency with Julius Thomas, Jared Odrick, Jermey Parnell and Dan Skuta and now they could look at Murray as an option along with Reggie Bush.
Murray led the league in rushing last season and touched the ball over 400 times and that is one reason why some teams have stayed away. The Cowboys have been slow in negotiations and they are letting the market develop for Murray. If the Jaguars step up, he could sign. The Jaguars won three games last season and are trying to bounce back after a long run of being in the bottom of their division.
According to Bleacher Report, Greg Hardy could be a potential option for the Jaguars, as he may come cheap on the market after his off the field issues. Hardy is not expected back with the Panthers and the Jaguars have reportedly been looking at players on the defensive line for free agency.