Jaguars Unlikely to Pursue Cardinals Safety in Free Agency

Jacksonville has young talent at the position, making a big-money signing unnecessary.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been suggested as a potential landing spot for Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson in free agency, but it may not be the best move for the team. The Jaguars have several young safeties already on the roster, including Caleb Ransaw, Antonio Johnson, and Rayuan Lane, who have shown promise. With veteran safety Eric Murray also in the mix, the Jaguars may not need to spend big on a free agent safety like Thompson, especially when they have other positions that could use more attention this offseason.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have a solid group of safeties already, and adding a high-priced free agent like Thompson may not be the best use of their resources. The team has other areas, such as the offensive line or pass rush, that could benefit more from significant investment in free agency.

The details

Pro Football Focus suggested the Jaguars as a potential landing spot for Jalen Thompson, citing the team's heavy use of two-high safety looks and Thompson's success in that scheme with the Cardinals. However, the Jaguars have several young safeties who could step up and fill the void left by the potential departure of Andrew Wingard in free agency. Caleb Ransaw, a 2025 third-round pick, missed his rookie season with an injury but is expected to contribute. Antonio Johnson had a breakout year with five interceptions, while Rayuan Lane flashed talent in limited snaps. With veteran Eric Murray also in the mix, the Jaguars may not need to spend big on a free agent safety.

  • Caleb Ransaw was a 2025 third-round pick for the Jaguars.
  • Antonio Johnson had a breakout year with five interceptions last season.
  • Rayuan Lane flashed talent in limited snaps last season.

The players

Jalen Thompson

An Arizona Cardinals cornerback who is set to become a free agent.

Caleb Ransaw

A 2025 third-round pick for the Jaguars who missed his rookie season with an injury.

Antonio Johnson

A Jaguars safety who had a breakout year with five interceptions last season.

Rayuan Lane

A Jaguars safety who flashed talent in limited snaps last season.

Eric Murray

A veteran safety on the Jaguars roster.

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What they’re saying

“As PFF analyst Bradley Locker highlighted in his look at one free agent each team should pursue, it would be a prudent move for the Jaguars to build up their secondary depth. Andrew Wingard recorded the most snaps among Jaguars safeties and is currently without a contract, presenting an opportunity to upgrade with a consistent name like Thompson.”

— Pro Football Focus

The takeaway

The Jaguars have a solid group of young safeties already on the roster, making a big-money signing like Jalen Thompson unnecessary. The team would be better off focusing their free agency resources on other positions of need, such as the offensive line or pass rush, rather than overspending on a safety position that appears to be in good hands.