Jacksonville Jaguars: Offseason investments paying dividends

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reaping the benefits of signing three high-profile free agents this spring.

The Jacksonville Jaguars wanted to upgrade the defense at certain positions. Last season, the Jaguars had trouble pressuring the opposing quarterback. Jacksonville finished last season with 33 sacks. Yannick Ngakoue led the team with eight sacks. Jalen Ramsey had the only defensive touchdown in 2016. Jacksonville picked off seven passes with Ramsey having the lone pick-six. Telvin Smith and Ramsey had two interceptions apiece.

Due to the glaring deficiencies, Jacksonville went into the free agent market looking for upgrades. There was a concern whether the Jaguars could attract quality high caliber free agents. The top goal of the team was to win games and return to the playoffs.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan acknowledged the fans frustrations in August 2016. Michael DiRocco of ESPN reported Khan’s sentiment:

"“My expectations are we get better and we win,” Khan said. “I think it’s very simple. It’s no different than every player that’s on the team, every coach that’s on the team. We want to win and we have a lot of pieces in place now that’ll help us do it.”"

Jacksonville finished the 2016 season with only three wins. It was time to make good on Khan’s statement in the offseason. The Jaguars mad three key investments that are paying huge dividends in 2017.

Barry Church signed a four-year deal valued at $26 million. He has helped solidified the Jaguars lockdown secondary. He has one pick-six this season and has 42 tackles with 10 being assisted. Calais Campbell signed a four-year deal worth $60 million. At age 31, many though Jacksonville spent too much on Campbell. The investment is paying huge dividends because he second in the NFL with 11 sacks. He will add to his total this weekend in Cleveland.

A.J. Bouye signed a five-year deal valued at $67.5 million. He and Ramsey are becoming the best corner tandem in the NFL. He has three interceptions through nine games. His interception last Sunday set the stage for the Jaguars victory in overtime.

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Jacksonville spent millions of dollars in upgrades. The investment is paying huge dividends. Through nine games, Jacksonville’s defense has 35 sacks, 11 interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns. Most of all, Jacksonville is tied for first place in the AFC South and have a great shot at making the playoffs. That is money well spent for the results they are getting.