6 teams Danielle Hunter might sign with for the 2024 season
By Chris Schad
Team No. 2
Jacksonville Jaguars
Hunter has been connected to Jacksonville since he started following their team account on Instagram prior to training camp last July, and makes sense as a player who could energize their pass rush.
The Jaguars ranked 12th in pressure rate (22.6 percent) but 25th in sacks (40) last season and their defense was a key reason why Jacksonville went from an 8-3 start to missing the playoffs.
New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen comes from an Atlanta defense that had similar issues with a ninth-ranked pressure rate but tied for 21st with 42 sacks, but he should also have more to work with as former 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker should anchor the pass rush and could even be kicked inside next season.
A pass-rushing duo of Hunter and Walker may not be out of the question, but one obstacle is the salary cap. Jacksonville enters the offseason with $11.2 million in cap space and also needs to make a decision on Josh Allen, who is four years younger than Hunter and had 17.5 sacks last season.
It’s unlikely the Jaguars will find a way to put all three edge rushers on their defense, but they may need to go all-in with Trevor Lawrence approaching the end of his rookie contract. If Jacksonville wants to make a splash, Hunter could fit the bill.