As the free agency signing period inches closer, the Jacksonville Jaguars are sure to be buyers for a quarterback. The development of current quarterback Blake Bortles never materialized and has left the Jaguars front office searching for answers. Owner Shad Khan has presented an ultimatum to “Win now”, which leaves the team as a target for free agent quarterback Nick Foles as a replacement. So much so, the Jaguars brought in Foles’ quarterback coach with the Eagles, John DeFilippo.
But is this the best option for the Jaguars? A team looking to fill several holes on offense to complement an above average defense. Has panic set in at TIAA Bank Field? There are other options at quarterback searching for a change of scenery that would be less expensive than Foles. The two options below would allow Jacksonville to spend or save money elsewhere in key positions on offense, and still compete.
Non-Nick Foles Options for Jacksonville Jaguars
Tannehill Moves North?
If the Miami Dolphins decide to move on from Ryan Tannehill via release or trade, the Jaguars should be interested. Tannehill is still an upgrade from Bortles and has six years of NFL experience. He started 88 games for the Dolphins, twice as many games as Foles in his career (44 starts). Tannehill (87 passer rating) has the athleticism to escape the pocket and pick up positive yardage down the field. He doesn’t have the playoff experience and accolades of Foles, but he has led a team to the playoffs in 2016. At a more comfortable price tag than Foles, Tannehill could be the proficient quarterback the Jaguars fancy this offseason.
Teddy Time?
Almost three years removed from a horrific knee injury, Teddy Bridgewater is prime to be a free agent prize. Prior to the 2014 NFL Draft, Bridgewater was linked to the Jaguars in several mock drafts. However, Jaguars’ general manager Dave Caldwell opted to select Bortles with the third pick in the draft. Yet here we are again. An opportunity for Caldwell to bring in the quarterbacked he passed on five years ago.
Bridgewater proved that he was capable to lead a team at this level during his first two years in Minnesota. His accolades include his selection as quarterback of the 2014 All-Rookie Team in addition to the 2014 Rookie of the Year. The following year, he helped the Vikings to a 10-6 record and a trip to the Playoffs. Bridgewater has spent last year on the sideline learning from future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. He has been off the field for a few years but would bring efficiency to the huddle for the Jaguars at a lower price than Foles.
Last Word
The time is now for Jacksonville to make a move. Decisions are sure to be made for the Jaguars’ talent-laden defensive players. In order to seize the opportunity, the Jaguars’ front office could decide to stay away from Foles and choose a different free agent to be the quarterback. Thus enabling them the freedom to lure more playmaking talent from the free agent pool. Both Tannehill and Bridgewater could be risks because of previous injuries, but it’s time to roll the dice.
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