NFL free agency rumors: Is Malik Jackson coveted by the Jaguars?

The Jacksonville Jaguars covet potential Denver Broncos free agent defensive lineman Malik Jackson, according to a report by Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver. There have been reports over the past few days that the Broncos would like to re-sign Jackson, but they're not close to a deal as it stands right now and the lineman is expected to hit the open market in just a few weeks when NFL free agency begins.

"He (Jackson) will command anywhere from $11 million to $14 million a year in the open market. The Jacksonville Jaguars covet Jackson and they have an NFL-most $79.8 million in available cap space."

It's no secret the Jaguars will be looking to upgrade the defensive line and pass rush in both free agency and the NFL Draft and they have plenty of cash to burn. Jackson, who was a player I mentioned should be on the Jaguars radar in free agency a few weeks ago, is a disruptive force who can play all over the defensive line. If you watched the Super Bowl, you undoubtedly saw Jackson making plays in the backfield.

It was reported that the Broncos offered Jackson a five-year deal in the range of $50 million, but he declined the offer. Jackson, according to the report, is looking for something more in the range of $75 million over five-years. The Broncos could probably make that deal work if they wanted to, but they also have quite a few other pending free agents so they're going to have to make some tough decisions on who to let walk and who to pay.

As mentioned, the Jaguars will have upwards of $80 million in cap room and have a real need on the defensive line, so this report shouldn't be all that shocking.