Last year, Jacksonville was aggressive in adding talent, a gamble that paid off as the team posted 13 wins in the 2025 regular season. Gladstone said the current approach aims to boost draft capital, explaining that compensatory picks for departing high-priced free agents would help reset the roster with cost-effective, long-term assets. By not pursuing external free agents, the Jaguars anticipate increasing 2027 draft capital.
With extra draft capital in hand, the Jaguars are positioned to explore trades. A proposed scenario involves acquiring De’Von Achane, one of the league’s fastest and most explosive backs, potentially elevating Jacksonville’s backfield dynamics and keeping the offense high-powered under head coach Liam Coen.
Chicago-drawn trade chatter has connected Achane to Jacksonville as a blockbuster move, though Miami’s stance appears firm. Dolphins general manager comments over the owner meetings suggested no current initiative to move Achane, even as executives acknowledge that any player is tradable at a suitable price.
If a deal did materialize, Jacksonville would likely leverage multiple early-round picks—the team already holds several selections inside the first three rounds—to match the value needed for a trading partner. pundits note that the last high-profile running back trade involved a sizable package, underscoring the level of draft capital that could be required for Achane.
Beyond Achane talk, the Jaguars’ strategy remains centered on maximizing draft efficiency and roster depth through the draft, while remaining open to opportunities that align with their cap space and long-term trajectory. The team’s emphasis on compensatory picks signals a patient, fiscally disciplined approach aimed at sustaining the playoff-caliber core they built last season.
