Jaguars Expected To Go On A “Spending Splurge” Targeting Pass-Rushers

Jason Cole of B/R, citing multiple NFL sources, reports that the Jaguars are expected to go on a “spending splurge” in the coming weeks.

According to Cole, Jacksonville is specifically looking to upgrade their pass-rush next year and are likely to target free agents such as Malik Jackson and Olivier Vernon.

Cole adds that with the Jaguars’ coaching staff under pressure to produce next year, the front will be willing to spend money on impact talent to give them best shot at winning.

While Vernon and Jackson would be big upgrades to the Jaguars’ defensive line, there’s no guarantee they’ll reach the open market. Recent reports have said that their respective teams — the Broncos and Dolphins — are interested in retaining them.

Jacksonville is one of two teams that will need to spend money to get up to required amount of cap space spent over the past four years.

Others have suggested that the Jaguars should consider adding some help at safety as well.

Vernon, 25, is entering the final year of his four-year, $2,818,080 rookie contract and stands to make a base salary of $700,000 for the 2015 season.

In 2015, Vernon appeared in 15 games and recorded 55 tackles and seven sacks for the Dolphins. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 defensive end in a 4-3 system out of 51 qualifying players.

Jackson, 26, is a former fifth-round pick of the Broncos back in 2012. He’s played out his four-year, $2,313,612 rookie contract and is in line to be one of the most sought after free agents in this year’s market.

In 2015, Jackson appeared in all 16 games for the Broncos and recorded 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, seven pass defenses and a safety. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 defensive end in a 3-4 defense out of 57 qualifying players.

We have both players featured in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.