Who Are the Jaguars Blue Chip Players Entering the 2024 Offseason?

Who are the Jaguars' building blocks entering the 2024 offseason?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are due for a roster makeover this offseason. That is what happens when running it back provides the unintended results.

Both sides of the ball will have new faces as the Jaguars navigate free agency and the draft and undoubtedly move on from some key contributors. 

But which contributors should the Jaguars not just hold onto, but build around? We break it down ahead of free agency. 

Blue Chips

Josh Allen 

2023 showed that Josh Allen is more than just a blue chip player; he is the Jaguars' best player. Having a young and game changing pass rusher is one of the most valuable things any NFL team can have, and the Jaguars have that in Allen. He has had productive years before, but 2023 was the best year any Jaguars pass-rusher has ever had. Now, it is time for the Jaguars to pay up and make sure Allen sticks around.

When it comes to the foundation of the Jaguars roster, Allen is one of the true and original building blocks. He had an elite season in 2023 after several years of proving he is a top pass-rusher in this league, which is the definition of being a blue-chip player. 

Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence hasn't yet enjoyed the consistent production that Allen has, nor has he truly had an explosive and record-setting full season like Allen's 2023. But there is still little question that Lawrence is among the best players on the Jaguars' roster and is the most important piece moving forward.

Some will scoff at the idea of Lawrence being a blue chip player, but the simple fact is there aren't more than 10 teams who wouldn't trade their quarterback situation for Jacksonville's. Lawrence has top-tier talent and has shown it throughout his career; with a better support system in 2024, this standing could become the more conventional take.

Blue Chip-adjacent 

Calvin Ridley 

Just like a lot of teams would trade their quarterback situations for Lawrence, there are plenty of teams that would want to make Calvin Ridley their top wideout. He had some inconsistent stretches in 2023 after almost two years away from football, but he still managed to produce 1,000 yards and was the Jaguars' go-to target when they needed a play.

If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley, he will not only still be one of the five best and most talented players on the roster, but he will be expected to have a massive 2024 season. He is still one of the best route runners in the game and is a proven deep threat who can consistently win outside. 

Travis Etienne

While he did get a lot of volume in terms of touches, it is still a borderline miracle that Travis Etienne managed 1,000 yards rushing in the Jaguars' offense last season. The Jaguars had one of the worst running games in the entire NFL, but Etienne still made it work enough to earn Pro Bowl consideration.

Etienne won't get mistaken as one of the NFL's top-tier running backs, but he isn't exactly far off, either. If he can improve in pass protection and become a true three-down back who doesn't come of the field, then he could elevate to blue-chip status,

Potential Future Blue Chips

Travon Walker 

Travon Walker's 2023 saw him record his first double-digit sack season, with the former No. 1 overall pick going on a tear over the final month of the season. Walker's consistency in terms of win-rate has to take a leap for him to be a blue-chip player, but he has the traits and the three-down ability to get there with continued development. 

Anton Harrison 

Likely the best draft pick of the Trent Baalke era so far, Anton Harrison looks like a franchise staple. He shook off a rough start to his rookie year and became the best pass-blocking rookie tackle. In fact, he was one of the better right tackles in pass pro in general in 2023. He has to improve in the run game, but there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to Harrison.  

Tyson Campbell 

This was the toughest name to include on the list for a few reasons. Tyson Campbell looked like a future perennial Pro Bowler after the 2022 season, but injuries completely ruined his 2023 season and made it a year to truly throw out the window. Campbell now will also be working in a more press-oriented scheme that will ask him to play with his back to the QB, which has always been his weakness. Still, he had every trait one could want in a top cover corner and could rebound in a big way.