Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach Jerry Mack has seen some improvement from second-year back Tank Bigsby this offseason after a disappointing rookie campaign in 2023. "I think now things are starting to slow down for him. He understands his role in this offense. He's understanding the ins and outs of the offense a lot better as well," Mack said. Bigsby had only 132 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries in 2023 behind bell-cow Travis Etienne Jr. The 22-year-old lost some confidence during his tough rookie season, but Mack says Bigsby came in this offseason "with a revitalized type of attitude." The Jaguars continue to say they want to get Bigsby more involved on offense this year, too, as a way to lighten the load on Etienne. Even if Bigsby sees more touches in his sophomore season, he's going to need to improve his 2.6 yard-per-carry average to be more than just a deep-league handcuff to Etienne.

SI.com's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby had some issues with drops during offseason workouts and didn't have the standout offseason program that he had last year. The Jaguars have done nothing but insinuate that Bigsby will have a bigger role in the backfield in 2024 as they look to give lead back Travis Etienne Jr. more of a break, but nothing is guaranteed as training camp approaches. It's not like Bigsby really impressed in his rookie year, either, as he carried the ball only 50 times for 132 yards (2.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding only one reception for a six-yard gain in 17 games played. Still, Bigsby should have more of a role in his second year in the NFL, although it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give him standalone fantasy value in 2024.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe writes that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. seemed to make a positive impression during offseason workouts. Thomas is in a good spot heading into his first year in the NFL because the Jaguars already have a cache of proven skill players, so he can come into his own at his own pace. The Jaguars will be thrilled if he can solidify an early role as a speed-driven deep threat for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Fantasy managers considering drafting him in single-year leagues in 2024 will want to keep a close eye on how the 21-year-old's skills will translate in a more physical environment in training camp this summer. The LSU product was in the shadow of Malik Nabers in college and is probably going to struggle for consistent targets in 2024 as long as Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and Evan Engram all stay healthy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence agreed on a five-year, $275 million contract extension on Thursday, which includes $200 million guaranteed ($142 million at signing), according to a source. The $55 million average salary in Lawrence's deal ties him with Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow for the top mark in that category in the NFL. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2021 out of Clemson made his first Pro Bowl in his second season in 2022 and has had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, although Lawrence and the Jaguars offense struggled down the stretch last year as he battled through injuries. Overall, his 2023 campaign was a step back after he finished as the QB7 in fantasy the year prior. Lawrence lost Calvin Ridley but gained rookie Brian Thomas and Gabe Davis and has plenty of targets, but he's best drafted as a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent wide receiver Austin Trammell, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 25-year-old and product of Rice University spent his last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, primarily operating as a returner on special teams. He returned 25 punts and six kickoffs last year, and he only added four catches for an extra 29 yards through the air. This move has no fantasy significance and should merely be viewed as part of the Jaguars' approach to building depth on offense and special teams.