The Jacksonville Jaguars released Myles Jack after he spent his first six seasons with the team. The move creates about $8.4 million in salary cap space for the perpetually rebuilding Jaguars. Now that Jack is one of the top free agent names on the market, where could he go that could best maximize his talents?
Myles Jack free agency predictions and landing spots
Jack has always been a talented linebacker with great athleticism and the ability to rush the passer as a blitzer, although he hasn’t had the opportunity to show that recently. His best fit has to be a team that will use him in that role. At just 26 years old, he’s a young but high-mileage linebacker who still has a lot to give if he can remain relatively healthy, which he has since his rookie season.
Dallas Cowboys
Yes, the Dallas Cowboys do not often spend money on names in free agency. However, aside from the … questionable … Foyesade Oluokun contract, the linebacker market doesn’t appear to be on the same trajectory as the wide receivers or tight ends.
The money is starting to dry up a bit after the Cowboys got a deal done with Malik Hooker, and it’s being reported they’re close to finalizing a deal with Randy Gregory for $13 million annually.
But signing Jack would allow the Cowboys the freedom to do whatever they wanted to with Micah Parsons. Additionally, Jack and Parsons would be a dynamic duo mugging the A gaps, and they’d give Dallas two athletic specimens off the ball.
The Cowboys blitzed at the 10th-highest rate in 2021. They’re also thin at the position — they cut Jaylon Smith in the middle of last season, and they’re facing the potential departure of free agent Leighton Vander Esch.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could desperately use a complement to Jerome Baker on the second level. Miami’s defense ranked 22nd in expected points added per rush and 17th in success rate against the run. They’re also desperately thin at linebacker, rostering only Baker and Calvin Munson at the moment.
Aside from the obvious need at the position, the Dolphins ranked second in blitz rate last season. Maybe that changes now that Brian Flores is gone, but they retained defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. Therefore, we should expect the defense to remain relatively similar in functionality.
The Dolphins also have some solid interior defenders that will help keep Jack clean and free to flow to the football. However, his sturdy frame and long arms allow him to leverage against blockers climbing to the second level.
New York Jets
The Jets have more linebackers on the roster than Miami, but they probably need help at the position more than the Dolphins. They struggled even more than Miami against the run in 2021. They ranked 23rd in rushing EPA and 22nd in success rate against the run, despite having Folorunso Fatukasi and Quinnen Williams on the interior.
Their linebackers were awful last season. Jack would be a massive upgrade over C.J. Mosley. New York can’t get out of Mosley’s contract this offseason. However, they can do so next year in a move that would save a lot of money against the cap on the underperforming linebacker.
