Doug Pederson made a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2023 NFL season came to an early end. He fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and numerous assistants. The Jaguars found Ryan Nielsen, the former defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, to be their successor two weeks ago.
Under Nielsen, the Falcons defense significantly improved, tripling the number of sacks they had and limiting opponents to lower total yardage and fewer points per game. Nielsen intends to give the Jaguars’ defense the same kind of success.
Which defensive free agents would be willing to move south with their old defensive coordinator?
Campbell Calais
In 2024, Calais Campbell might wrap up his career in a place he is familiar with—the Jaguars. Over his career, the 37-year-old defensive end has played for a number of teams, including Jacksonville from 2017 to 2019. With 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 12.5 stuffs, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 2023, Campbell is still performing at a high level. The tackle may provide Jacksonville an experienced presence in the trenches.
Bud Dupree
The Jaguars’ biggest objective this offseason will be getting Josh Allen back, but the position group still needs some good depth. Bud Dupree, an outside linebacker, may be the ideal player to include alongside Allen and Travon Walker.
With 39 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 9.5 stuffs, two forced fumbles, and three passes defended at the end of the 2023 campaign, Dupree was quite successful. With K’Lavon Chaisson potentially leaving in free agency this year, the former first-round pick would be a cheap way to give depth to the linebacker position.
Okudah Jeff
This year, one of Atlanta’s best free agents is cornerback Jeff Okudah. Okudah has 44 tackles, three stuffs, and three passes defended in 11 games. Tre Herndon is a free agent, thus Okudah would be a good addition to strengthen the secondary defense.
