The Jacksonville Jaguars have slowed down in NFL free agency after bringing back a couple of their own and signing wide receiver Laurent Robinson and back up quarterback Chad Henne. The Jaguars did bring back defensive end Jeremy Mincey, but there is still a need at the other defensive end position and it's something the Jaguars could still address in free agency.
"There's a couple of other [pass rushers] out there and a couple of guys in the draft," Jaguars general manager Gene Smith told the Florida Times-Union. "The position isn't as strong this year in the draft as it was last year so there's still a chance to get another guy [in free agency.] So we'll see how that plays out."
So, who's still out there?
After Mario Williams and Jeremy Mincey went off the market, the available pass rushers in free agency dwindled down. Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker signed deals with the Cleveland Browns while Israel Idonije signed a one-year deal to stay with the Chicago Bears. The next best guy on the open market is New England Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson, who's making a visit with the Miami Dolphins after putting up a double-digit sack season with New England. There is also aging defensive end John Abraham, who's garned interest from teams like the Tennessee Titans, but I'm not sure he's going to be on the Jaguars radar as there are questions about what he's got left.
Right now, the market is pretty dried up in the defensive end area. It could get an influx of talent soon however with the likes of Oakland Raiders Kamerion Wimbley and possibly Indianapolis Colts Dwight Freeney. Wimbley is due a massive salary that goes into effect on Friday at 4 p.m. ET and most expect him to be released unless he agrees to restructure his deal. The problem is, Wimbley's agent and the Raiders haven't really spoken in nearly two weeks according to reports, so his release is expected. Jaguars own Jeremy Mincey mentioned on the radio he's been trying to recruit Wimbley to come to the Jaguars with him, so that will be a guy to watch.
As far as Freeney, he's also due a massive salary for the 2012 season and with Robert Mathis signing a new deal, it's a lot of money invested in the defensive end position, especially when the Colts are planning to make a switch to the 3-4 defense and Freeney has expressed he does not want to play stand-up linebacker. The Colts have expressed an interest in trying to trade Freeney, but with his price tag the Colts won't garner much interest, especially if they demand anything more than a third round pick.
For the Jaguars to add another pass rusher in free agency, they're going to need to hope for Wimbley to be released and snap him up quickly or try to address the position in the NFL Draft.