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ESPN's Matt Bowen recently selected the best team fits for his top 50 NFL free agents, and included on this list were three of the Jacksonville Jaguars' free agents.
So, where does Bowen think that each of these players should end up?
Newsome was acquired by the Jaguars in a mid-season trade with Cleveland. He joined Jacksonville with strong ball production in his career and was thought to be a good fit for Anthony Campanile's more zone-heavy defense.
However, Newsome's play was inconsistent. He allowed a completion rate of almost 70% with the Jaguars and 11.7 yards per catch. He had just one pass breakup and one interception.
Bowen named the Packers as the best fit for him.
"The Packers' cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons' injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme," Bowen wrote. "That's a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option."
Etienne had a bounce-back season in 2025 and is a very good fit for Liam Coen's offense with his ability to move around the formation and operate in space.
But the Jaguars did plan ahead, drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. Jacksonville has more pressing needs than running back, and with somewhat limited salary cap space currently, one could easily argue that those resources should be utilized on a different position group.
Bowen paired Etienne with the Chiefs.
"Etienne has the play speed to upgrade a Chiefs run game that ranked 25th last season (106.6 yards per game)," wrote Bowen. "And with his dual-threat ability as a pass catcher, Etienne would be schemed on screens and backfield releases in coach Andy Reid's system. This is a move to add more juice and big-play ability to the Kansas City offense."
Lloyd is coming off a big year, which included him making his first Pro Bowl and being named a second-team All-Pro. From blitzing to run support to coverage, he did a bit of everything for this Jaguars' defense.
He is likely going to have an active market in free agency and has earned himself a good-sized payday. Without Lloyd, the Jaguars have a void to fill next to Foye Oluokun.
Bowen, however, believes he should return to Jacksonville.
"Under Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score," wrote Bowen. "That type of on-the-ball production at linebacker will garner interest in free agency, but I have Lloyd sticking with a Jacksonville unit that ranked top 10 in both scoring and run defense."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 3 Jaguars make top 50 free agent list; only predicted to re-sign
Continue reading...
So, where does Bowen think that each of these players should end up?
No. 34: CB Greg Newsome
Newsome was acquired by the Jaguars in a mid-season trade with Cleveland. He joined Jacksonville with strong ball production in his career and was thought to be a good fit for Anthony Campanile's more zone-heavy defense.
However, Newsome's play was inconsistent. He allowed a completion rate of almost 70% with the Jaguars and 11.7 yards per catch. He had just one pass breakup and one interception.
Bowen named the Packers as the best fit for him.
"The Packers' cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons' injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme," Bowen wrote. "That's a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option."
No. 24: RB Travis Etienne
Etienne had a bounce-back season in 2025 and is a very good fit for Liam Coen's offense with his ability to move around the formation and operate in space.
But the Jaguars did plan ahead, drafting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. Jacksonville has more pressing needs than running back, and with somewhat limited salary cap space currently, one could easily argue that those resources should be utilized on a different position group.
Bowen paired Etienne with the Chiefs.
"Etienne has the play speed to upgrade a Chiefs run game that ranked 25th last season (106.6 yards per game)," wrote Bowen. "And with his dual-threat ability as a pass catcher, Etienne would be schemed on screens and backfield releases in coach Andy Reid's system. This is a move to add more juice and big-play ability to the Kansas City offense."
No. 19: LB Devin Lloyd
Lloyd is coming off a big year, which included him making his first Pro Bowl and being named a second-team All-Pro. From blitzing to run support to coverage, he did a bit of everything for this Jaguars' defense.
He is likely going to have an active market in free agency and has earned himself a good-sized payday. Without Lloyd, the Jaguars have a void to fill next to Foye Oluokun.
Bowen, however, believes he should return to Jacksonville.
"Under Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score," wrote Bowen. "That type of on-the-ball production at linebacker will garner interest in free agency, but I have Lloyd sticking with a Jacksonville unit that ranked top 10 in both scoring and run defense."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 3 Jaguars make top 50 free agent list; only predicted to re-sign
Continue reading...
