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Jacksonville Jaguars free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

By Mike Phillips

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars scrambles with the ball during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars scrambles with the ball during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against cornerback Eli Apple #25 of the New Orleans Saints at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against cornerback Eli Apple #25 of the New Orleans Saints at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

4. Cornerback Eli Apple

The cornerback position may not be the most pressing need for the Jaguars, but it is certainly an area that could use a talent infusion. Jacksonville might have considered the corner position a strength as recently as this season, but that was before Jalen Ramsey started complaining about his contract situation.

Ramsey ended up getting dealt to Los Angeles for a first round pick, but it created a crater sized hole in the secondary. A.J. Buoye and D.J. Hayden served as the starters after Ramsey’s departure, but filling the shoes of one of the best cover corners in football won’t be easy.

Finding another Ramsey in free agency is next to impossible, so the Jaguars should be looking to add a talented young corner to the mix to fortify the unit’s depth. One of the more appealing options at the position is 25 year old Eli Apple, who is set to become a free agent.

Apple spent the last few years with the New Orleans Saints, who would love to retain him but also have their own cap issues to deal with. No one is saying that Apple could be the next Ramsey, but he has been solid in New Orleans and should be entering his prime now.

The Jaguars may be tempted to throw their dollars elsewhere and ride with Buoye and Hayden for another year, but they should at least consider a push for Apple. Hayden did play through a lot of injuries in 2019, and if he were to go down for an extended period the Jaguars’ secondary would be mighty thin.

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