The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of their best seasons in franchise history in 2025.
Head Coach Liam Coen guided the Jaguars to a 13-4 record, their second-best season in team history, and clinched the AFC South title. Sadly for Jacksonville, the season ended on a low note as the team was eliminated at home by the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.
Despite the loss, the Jaguars can’t afford to dwell on the disappointing end to their season.
If Jacksonville wants to reach the playoffs and go further in the postseason than ever before, they need to make the following five moves.
Extend Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne was a standout player for the Jaguars this season. Although other running backs on the roster, like Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., have shown promise when given chances, Etienne’s influence on the Jaguars’ offense remained unmatched.
Etienne led all Jaguars skill position players with 1,399 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns. He also shone in the Wild Card round against Buffalo, rushing for 67 yards and catching five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown.
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Paying a running back in the NFL is often seen as a luxury; however, for the Jaguars, that is not the case. Etienne is a key player for this team and has truly established himself as a leader.
Make a Plan for Travis Hunter
When the Jaguars traded up to select Travis Hunter in last year’s draft, the plan was to play him both ways equally. However, Hunter suffered a knee injury midseason during practice, which sidelined him for the rest of the year.
In Hunter’s absence, Parker Washington stepped up and exceeded expectations, becoming one of Trevor Lawrence’s most trusted targets.
Hunter’s body likely can’t handle 70 percent of the snaps on both sides of the ball in the NFL. Because of this, the Jaguars should move him into a full-time defensive role while also including him in some offensive packages. This strategy would help manage his workload and keep him healthy.
Keep Improving the Defense
The Jaguars’ defense was one of the best in the league, mainly because of standout performances from Devin Lloyd and Josh Hines-Allen. However, Jacksonville lacks the essential element that makes great defenses: depth.
Jacksonville would gain from adding another pass rusher alongside Travon Walker and Hines-Allen. Signing a player like Derek Barnett would significantly boost the Jaguars’ pass rush, as Barnett’s five sacks this season would have been third on the team.
Cornerback has been the Jaguars’ biggest defensive weakness, and even if Hunter transitions primarily to the position, additional help will still be needed. Adding a player like Rasul Douglas could boost this defense into a top-five unit.
Protect Trevor Lawrence
Protecting the quarterback is the most critical responsibility for any offense, and the Jaguars can strengthen their offensive line with one signing this offseason. Guard John Simpson is set to become a free agent. He would be a great addition to the Jaguars’ line.
Simpson has been a part of a talented unit in New York and has truly grown into a leader over his two seasons.
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Simpson would not only bolster the Jaguars’ offensive line but also add another experienced voice in the locker room.
Be Aggressive in the Trade Market
The Jaguars cannot afford to hesitate in the trade market, as Super Bowl windows can close just as quickly as they open. The team should consider potential buy-low candidates like Rashan Gary, who experienced a tough year but could boost Jacksonville’s defensive line at a lower cost.
If the Jaguars want to make a significant impact, Trent McDuffie is a player to watch. The Chiefs tried to sign the former All-Pro at the start of the season, but they were unsuccessful. McDuffie’s situation might resemble L’Jarius Sneed’s, and the Jaguars should be ready to take advantage if the chance comes.
In the end, it was a successful season for the team that was picking in the top five of the draft last year. Jacksonville fans have a lot to look forward to, and Coen’s staff seems more than capable of transforming this franchise for the better.
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