The Jacksonville Jaguars may have an impressive array of young wide receivers, but they could still use some additional pass catchers. No disrespect to tight end Marcedes Lewis, who counts $8.2 million against the salary cap next year, but the Jags need a consistent security blanket to aid quarterback Blake Bortles' development.
Lewis has topped 518 receiving yards and four touchdowns just once in his career, and that was back in 2010. It's time for the team to grab a dynamic threat in the passing game who can make Bortles better.
It's time for the Jags to pony up in free agency for Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas.
"A key element of any Jaguars free agent conversation since the middle of last season has been about making Denver tight end Julius Thomas a priority when the market opens March 10," Ryan O'Halloran of Jacksonville.com wrote.
Now Thomas won't come cheap - O'Halloran believes it'll take a deal in the $8.5-$9 million per year range to snag his services - but he is exactly the type of player Jacksonville needs. The Jags ranked dead last in scoring offense in 2014, producing a measly 15.6 points per game. Well, guess which area Thomas excels in?
"He scored 12 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, and led all tight ends in red zone DYAR in both 2013 and 2014," wrote Tom Gower of Football Outsiders.
"The cynic will always suggest Thomas was a product of Manning," O'Halloran added. "The real view: Thomas is a dynamite red zone target who would instantly become one of Blake Bortles' top options."
The Jaguars are expected to have the most salary cap space out of any team this offseason. We're talking $60 million to play with. If Thomas hits the open market, there is no reason not to go out and make this move. The Jags have the money and they have the need.
Why not make this happen?
