3 unrestricted free agents the Jags should retain on offense

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming up on the biggest offseason in team history. In addition to the staffing changes they are making, they will need to make a lot of new additions in terms of players through free agency and the draft.

However, the focus shouldn’t solely be put on additions, as there are a few players on the roster with expiring contracts who are worth keeping, too. Let’s take a look at three unrestricted free agents on offense who the Jags should consider re-signing:

LT Cam Robinson

Oct 18, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) and running back Chris Thompson (34) block against Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during the second half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Simply put, the Jags have to figure out what they want to do on the blind side of their quarterback of the future. It could be as simple as extending Cam Robinson, but he's been inconsistent as a pass protector, which is where the dilemma comes in. With Robinson being a young and experienced player, his fate in Jacksonville will hinge on how the staff views him in terms of his upside. It appears he could become a better and more consistent player in time, but it will be a matter of seeing it first. That said, the franchise tag feels like the most responsible way to address Robinson's pending future. It would prevent the Jags from having to spend a ton of money on the open market on players like Trent Williams, Russell Okung, or Alejandro Villanueva. While all three are solid players and are better than Robinson at the moment, they all are over the age of 31, too.

WR Keelan Cole

Nov 15, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary (52) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Keelan Cole came to Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has provided many highlight plays for the team throughout his tenure. He's also battled being near the bottom of the receiver's depth chart a few times and still found a way to contribute. It seems that both he and his teammates want to remain in Jacksonville. With that being the case, it will be the Jags' new front office to evaluate him and come up with a decision. The body of work is certainly there for them to do their due diligence as Cole currently has 159 career catches for 2,242 yards and 12 touchdowns to his name. When popping on the tape of Cole, the Jags' new leadership should be impressed with his knack for highlight reel type plays and straight-line speed. If that isn't enough to convince them, the fact that he doubles as a special teams threat should.

OL Tyler Shatley

Jacksonville Jaguars guard Tyler Shatley (69) cools off on the bench during play against the Tennessee Titans during a week 16 NFL football game Dec. 24, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 38 - 17. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)

The Jags offensive line hasn't been the most durable, especially at center. As a result, Tyler Shatley has had to step in frequently over the years for Brandon Linder, who is a pretty good player himself when healthy. Shatley has started in a total of 25 career games (between guard and center) since joining the Jags. Simply put, fans will be hard-pressed to find a backup with that kind of experience. He registered a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.3 in 2020, which was good for the fourth-highest figure on the offensive line under Linder, A.J. Cann, and Andrew Norwell. No, Shatley isn't an elite player by any means, but there aren't many starting-caliber offensive linemen sitting on the bench in the league in general — if at all. When it comes to reserves, Shatley might be as good as it gets, and he should be retained for the 2021 season.