2024 Free Agency: 5 Centers Who Make Sense For the Jaguars

Unlike seemingly just a year ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a host of needs ahead of free agency officially opening on March 13. And soon, we will know exactly how they are set to address them.

If the Jaguars want to get back to the playoffs and the top of the AFC South, it will take pushing all of the right buttons this offseason and improving the roster through both the draft and free agency.

First up: the center position.

Brian Allen 

After only 12 appearances and seven starts over the last two seasons, it is hard to see any team dropping a bag on former Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen in March. And it is for that reason the former Super Bowl-winning center makes sense for the Jaguars, who could be looking for a cheap veteran to compete for a starter role.

The Jaguars are unlikely to simply discard 2022 third-round pick Luke Fortner, and signing Allen would allow them to give Fortner a chance. Allen's recent injury history suggests that he wouldn't be viewed upon as a lock to start, but there is a good chance a healthy Allen would provide an upgrade or at least a reliable second option at the position. 

Andre James 

It isn't easy to fill the shoes of one of the best centers of a generation, but that is exactly what Andre James did when he replaced Rodney Hudson with the Raiders. James has started 48 games at center for the Raiders over the last three years and has held up more than fine, especially in pass-protection. 

Only 26 years old, James is still a growing player. He should continue to improve at the position as he gets more starts under his belt, which could make him an upside signing for a team with a need to improve at the position like the Jaguars.

Lloyd Cushenberry III 

Maybe the biggest upside swing in this free agency cycle at the center position, Lloyd Cushenberry could have quite a few teams seeking his services. The former third-round pick has had ups and downs throughout his career, but he has 57 starts at center to his name and just had one of the best seasons of any center last year. 

If the Jaguars were to pursue Cushenberry -- who could earn a contract worth $10 million annually -- he would have to be the unquestioned starter. There would be some risk considering his development hasn't always been linear, but he has the ceiling to make a difference. 

Tyler Biadasz 

If you want a high-floor, low-ceiling replacement for Luke Fortner, then Tyler Biadasz is probably the best option in this class. He is well-traveled with 53 starts for the Dallas Cowboys over the last four seasons, but he also doesn't present the upside that would command a bidding war in free agency.

Biadasz is a smart, technical, and dependable starting center. He is likely more of a mid-level starter than anything else and his skill-set looks tapped out, but he makes sense for a team that wants to raise the floor of its center play like the Jaguars,

Aaron Brewer 

Another 26-year-old starter, there are a few reasons why Aaron Brewer would make sense for the Jaguars. For starters, he seems like a natural fit in their zone- and screen-heavy scheme, showing natural athleticism and ability to reach defenders. Secondly, he has guard/center versatility and could help fulfill several roles along the offensive line depth chart.

There is a good chance that Brewer's best football is ahead of him. The fact that he started for a league-worst offensive line in Tennessee shouldn't scare too many people off considering he was arguably the lone bright spot on that line. Plus, the Jaguars have plenty of experience and tape on him after facing him in recent years.