Breaking: Jaguars closing in on deal to sign former $16.8 million cornerback free agent
Steven Nelson is one of the best remaining cornerbacks on the free agent market, and he could sign with a longtime division rival.
Steven Nelson, a former Houston Texans cornerback, is one of the most undervalued players on the free agent market. While the former third-round pick has never been a superstar, Nelson has been a consistent starter throughout his career. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, the defensive back concluded the 2023 season with four interceptions, 12 passes defended, 63 tackles, and a 72.6 PFF grade, ranking 29th out of 127 qualified players.
C.J. Stroud was the primary driving force behind Houston’s unexpected postseason run last year, but Nelson helped shore up the secondary as a dependable CB2 opposite Derek Stingley. Steven Nelson, now a free agent, will most likely leave Houston to join another team. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the greatest fit, according to Bleacher Report, despite potential interest from other organizations.
Overall, the depth at cornerback is a worry. They will get help in the slot from the safeties, although Ronald Darby has previously suffered ailments, and Tyson Campbell missed six games last season. Steven Nelson is one of the most dependable cornerbacks left, and the Jaguars should be familiar with him from his stint with the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
Jaguars Could Sign Free Agent Steven Nelson
Following a breakout 2022, Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars were expected to dominate the AFC South for years. However, Stroud’s breakout resulted in an unexpected postseason absence, highlighting how Jacksonville sorely has to upgrade its squad to compete with a great Texans club. As previously stated, Jacksonville’s secondary could use some improvement, and Steven Nelson might be the most realistic free agency option available.
Steven Nelson is unlikely to sign until Stephon Gilmore finds a new home as a free agent. The former Defensive Player of the Year is unquestionably the greatest cornerback on the market today, and he should be the first choice for any team searching for help at the position. Once Gilmore is eliminated, clubs should look to Nelson as a reliable consolation prize. If the Jaguars cannot sign him, one of these other teams should.
