In order for Jacksonville to replicate its success in 2026, the Jaguars are going to have some holes to fill this offseason thanks to free agency. While running back Travis Eteinne highlights this years’ class of free agents for the Jaguars, their top-10 ranked defense might see the most turnover next season.

Along with the potential loss of linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge Emmanuel Ogbah, safety Andrew Wingard, defensive tackle Arik Armstead and cornerback Greg Newsome II, Jacksonville might potentially be replacing its defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who has interviewed for multiple open head coaching positions. The Jaguars might fill some of those holes with nine picks in the NFL draft, but they do not have a first-round pick after trading up for Travis Hunter in last year’s draft.

Jacksonville is also currently over the salary cap by almost $25 million, according to Overthecap.com. The Jaguars could potentially free up around $36 million with restructuring contracts.

If the Jaguars don’t bring back any of their current free agents, here are five free agents Jacksonville should target for 2026.

Losing Lloyd via free agency will leave a massive hole in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense. The 27-year-old had 81 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, a touchdown and a fumble recovery in 15 games, earning All-Pro honors in the process. Also 27, Bush spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns and is coming off his most productive season since his rookie year with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

The seven-year veteran had 125 total tackles, two sacks, seven TFLs, three INTs, two TDs, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Another free-agent linebacker the Jags could turn to is Leo Chenal of the Kansas City Chiefs. Just 25, had 58 total tackles, two sacks, two TFLs and one interception last season.

Wingard solidified the free-safety position for the Jacksonville defense for the last four seasons, but will turn 30 next season. Hickman is another young player the Jaguars could potentially poach from the Browns. Also just 25, the Ohio State product played all 17 games in 2025, amassing 103 total tackles and two INTs. Another safety Jacksonville might consider is Ar’Darius Washington of the Baltimore Ravens. Despite playing in just four games at the end of the season this year, the former TCU Horned Frog had a breakout season in 2024 after having 64 total tackles, five TFLs, two interceptions, one sack and a forced fumble. 

Along with Newsome, Jacksonville could lose a number of experienced cornerbacks this offseason, leaving youngsters Jarrian Jones and Hunter to handle the outside. Turning 30 next season, Dean could help provide leadership to a young secondary. Last season the former third-round pick had a career-high three interceptions and two forced fumbles for Tampa Bay. Jaylen Watson of the Kansas City Chiefs might also be a veteran target for the Jaguars. Last season the 27-year-old had a career year with 64 total tackles, two INTs and two sacks.

Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker combined for 11.5 sacks and 20 TFLs last season and will return for the Jaguars next season, but Jacksonville will need to build depth at the EDGE position for 2026. Hendrickson is one of the biggest free-agent names this offseason despite playing in just seven games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025. Prior to this season, the All-Pro and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up had 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and played in all 17 games both seasons. Another veteran that could provide a cheaper depth option is Odafe Oweh of the Los Angeles Chargers. In his one season with the Chargers, the former Raven posted 7.5 sacks,  eight TFLs and 30.5 career sacks.

Another position lower on the list of needs for the Jaguars in the offseason is the running back room. Although Etienne rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the third time in his career and had 11 total TDs in 2025, Bhayshul Tuten showed flashes in his rookie season and might be poised to take over the starting role if Etienne doesn’t return. If head coach Liam Coen continues platooning the Jags' running backs, the Jaguars could look to Walker. The four-year veteran rushed for more than 1,000 yards during the regular season and averaged 6.1 yards per carry for the No. 1-seeded Seattle Seahawks this postseason to go along with three rushing touchdowns. A less heralded option could be Tyler Allgeier of the Atlanta Falcons. Playing second fiddle to Bijan Robinson, the former fifth-round pick out of BYU scored eight touchdowns this season. 

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