Ben Solak checks in with takes on the Jaguars winning the AFC, Shedeur Sanders not earning a starting role and more. Every Tuesday of the NFL season, Solak turns the page from the previous week to the upcoming one with seven things he thinks. These aren't full-scale predictions.
They are the uncertain topics that might be true, but it'll probably take the next few games to find out. November should be fun. This week, Solak starts by lauding the Jaguars for going all-in on the trade deadline, playing deadline bingo and then casting votes for a midseason All-Pro team.
The Jaguars certainly think so, too! Monday was Jaguars day in the NFL, as second-year general manager James Gladstone made three trades during the day. He sent a 2027 second-rounder and 2028 fifth-rounder to Atlanta for safety Jessie Bates III. Then, he sent a 2028 sixth-rounder to the Saints for nose tackle Davon Godchaux.
These two trades addressed Jacksonville's two biggest sudden needs after the season-ending injuries to safety Eric Murray and nose tackle Da Von Hamilton. But then, the stunner: The Jaguars sent their 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick to the Eagles for defensive tackle Jordan Davis, a premier run stuffer whom the Eagles had given a three-year, $78 million extension in March. It doesn't take a degree in trade deadline analysis to figure out that the 6-2 Jaguars, who traded away five picks, three of which were top-64 selections, are going all-in on a team they believe is on the inside track for the Super Bowl.
These three players all serve critical roles in that effort. Solak also touches on Shedeur Sanders not earning a starting role and the quarterback situation with Lock as a potential bridge QB in 2027.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing