The Jacksonville Jaguars' defense of 2024 was not the Doomsday Defense of the Dallas Cowboys, but more like doom, despair and agony for Jaguars fans. They ranked No. 31 in total defense under then-head coach Doug Pederson as they won just four games that season.

But last season, the Jaguars fielded a disruptive force that led the unit to rise to No. 11 in the league in total defense, No. 2 in interceptions and No. 3 in takeaways with 13. With several defenders about to become free agents, the Jaguars may target a number of talented players when the free-agent market opens next month.

The Jaguars are currently $11 million over the salary cap, so general manager James Gladstone will have to get creative and free up cap space by restructuring the contracts of some players, including that of defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who represents a $23.4 million cap hit in 2026, according to the terms of his contract available on Spotrac.

Also, linebacker Foysade Oluokun is a candidate for restructuring and was the team’s leader in tackles with 143 total stops. Of course, this all hinges on these players accepting terms of a restructure.

Here are four free-agent candidates and one current Jaguar whose contract  Jacksonville will likely restructure.

Market Values provided by Spotrac.com.

This talented linebacker in Philly recorded 55 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six QB hits and two forced fumbles, and Dean earned a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2024. Given a projected three- to four-year contract, Dean is expected to sign a deal worth up to $32 million.

Cook posted 85 tackles with six passes defended last season, as he graded out at 83.5, which was fifth among all safeties, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Against the opposition, his missed tackle rate was only 5.6 percent. However, the main barrier to signing Cook would be his market value, which is $57 million over four years.

Watson is a shut-down corner who did not allow a touchdown pass against him in 478 coverage snaps. At 6-2, Watson has the size that defensive coordinators covet and allowed an average quarterback rating of 79.0. While he did not force a ton of turnovers last season, he makes up for it by limiting explosive plays.

Watson recorded 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, two QB hits, two interceptions and six passes defended, and has a market value of $37 million over three years.

Chaisson performed well in his one year with the Patriots. He ranked 18th in the league with 54 QB pressures and posted 7.5 sacks, a disruptive player whose aggressive style of play generates turnovers. Over three seasons, Chaisson’s market value is just over $27 million.

Hines-Allen led the team in sacks with eight, and led in tackles for loss with 12. The Jaguars need to convince Hines-Allen to restructure his contract, so the team can go out and get another defender.

Signing a player like Chaisson could give the Jaguars a player who can contribute immediately to the ball-hawking, takeaway defense under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.

The Jaguars have work to do; free agency is right around the corner.

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