The Jaguars made it to the AFC Championship Game just a few weeks ago. After falling short of their Super Bowl expectations, the Jaguars' front office will now look to improve upon their strong playoff roster from this past season.
The Jaguars are in an interesting spot at quarterback - and that will be discussed throughout the next few weeks - but the team also has needs elsewhere.
After spending heavily in free agency over the last two offseasons, the Jaguars are likely to bring in solid, affordable players to fill in holes on the roster this year. Bargain hunting can lead to success, especially for teams with short-term playoff windows.
The Jaguars were just one win away from the Super Bowl, so the team only needs to add reinforcements and will not necessarily have to break the bank for superstars.
Here are four under-the-radar, cost-effective options who would fit in well with the Jaguars:
TE Trey Burton
Current Team: Philadelphia Eagles
2017 Salary: $2.75 million
2017 Stats: 23 catches for 248 receiving yards and five touchdowns
Thoughts: While you may know him as the guy who threw the touchdown pass to Nick Foles during Philadelphia's Super Bowl win, Burton is actually a pretty dynamic pass-catcher. Burton has blossomed since joining the team as an undrafted special teams ace in 2014.
Over the last two seasons, Burton has collected 60 receptions for 575 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He received a second-round tender as a restricted free agent this past season. After winning a Super Bowl with the strapped-for-cash Eagles, Burton is likely to look for a bigger role elsewhere. He played very well when Eagles starting tight end Zach Ertz went down with a concussion.
The Jaguars need more threats in the receiving game. Burton has shown he can be used creatively on offense. He also has a solid special teams prowess. A one-time Florida Gators gadget player, Burton could return home to make an impact in the Jaguars' passing game.
While the Jaguars have James O'Shaughnessy and Mychal Rivera under contract, Burton may offer versatility that tops the upside of both players. He also shouldn't demand a heavy salary.
WR Taylor Gabriel
Current Team: Atlanta Falcons
2017 Salary: $2.75 million
2017 Stats: 33 catches for 378 receiving yards and a touchdown
Thoughts: The Jaguars could use as a bit more speed at the wide receiver position. While Jacksonville needs to weigh the futures of veterans Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, the team could do a lot worse than adding Gabriel to the young wide receiver group currently in place.
Gabriel has been a solid role player for the Falcons over the last two years. He could be a rotational deep threat, a play-making presence that was seemingly missing last season. The Jaguars like to practice sweep plays and Gabriel could be a serious threat in that aspect as well.
If the Jaguars move on from two of their three tenured receivers, Gabriel could be a cheap free agent option to keep some experience on the roster.
LB Tahir Whitehead
Current Team: Detroit Lions
2017 Salary: $3.05 million
2017 Stats: 110 tackles, one sack, one interception
Thoughts: The key to building a strong linebacker group is through versatility. While the team has an heir apparent to Paul Posluszny in Blair Brown, that doesn't mean they can't look for outside upgrades. Whitehead has experience at all three linebackers spots and could be a versatile option for the team's starting lineup.
Whitehead could be a strong fit for the strong-side or middle linebacker spots. His arrival would allow Myles Jack to fit in wherever he feels most comfortable. Whitehead has six years of experience and can bring some bulk to the lineup at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds.
Whitehead would give the Jaguars insurance in case they suffer a major injury at linebacker. Establishing that depth would help the Jaguars keep their foot on the gas on defense.
G/T Allen Barbre
Current Team: Denver Broncos
2017 Salary: $2.35 million
2017 Stats: 16 games (four starts)
Thoughts: The key to this group is its versatility and Barbre may be the most dynamic of the bunch. Barbre can play four of the five positions on the offensive line, with his strongest spots being at left guard and right tackle. Bringing in Barbre wouldn't assure him a starting role but could help push the likes of A.J. Cann, Jermey Parnell and Patrick Omameh (if he returns in free agency).
Barbre is a veteran journeyman who can compete anywhere. The Jaguars did well when starters went down this season but they could use some reinforcements. Barbre is a guy who would make sense for the Jaguars if they wanted a bit more experience behind the two guard spots. He has played a lot more NFL football than Josh Walker, Chris Reed and William Poehls. He also has experience in a few different blocking schemes.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.
