The time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to make big moves is now. They have the most valuable chip an NFL team can have in a quarterback on a rookie deal capable of winning games. Trevor Lawrence showcased that ability last season in his first away from Urban Meyer.
Lawrence looked like the franchise quarterback the Jaguars thought they were getting when they made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He helped lead the team to the AFC South title and a victory during Super Wild Card Weekend over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, the Jaguars showed just how good they are. That game went down to the wire and should provide confidence for the entire franchise. Heading into 2023, it is time to take another step forward.
Lawrence and the offense should be able to reach another level with Calvin Ridley taking the field after serving a suspension last season for gambling on NFL games. With Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram and Travis Etienne in the mix as well, Lawrence is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast.
Defensively the Jaguars have some pieces as well. 2022 No. 1 pick Travon Walker is an excellent building block along with Josh Allen in the front seven. At cornerback, Tyson Campbell is a star in the making. If the opportunity presented itself to bolster that secondary even more, the Jaguars should jump at it.
One player who would certainly qualify is Budda Baker. The Arizona Cardinals’ star safety has been seeking a trade this offseason and wants a new long-term contract that the team seems hesitant to give him.
Still seeking a new team, the Jaguars should step up to the plate and make a deal. Baker is a star safety that can fill any role that is needed at the back end of the defense. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested Jacksonville as a landing spot for him, with the Jaguars sending a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the desert in exchange for Baker.
The rebuilding Cardinals would love to add another premium selection to their collection of assets after picking up a 2024 first-rounder from the Houston Texans as well. That would quickly help them restock their roster long-term.
For the Jaguars, they would be adding an impact player to their secondary to help a defense that has plenty of potential but still some ways to go before reaching it. Only now entering his prime, Baker would be a foundational piece for years to come as Jacksonville looks to cement itself among the AFC elite.
