The Jacksonville Jaguars may have just found their missing piece on defense. Following the 2026 NFL draft, three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney has been named a prime free agent target for the team—and the fit makes perfect sense.

With draft weekend in the rearview mirror, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles broke down the biggest remaining needs for all 32 teams. For the Jaguars, the answer was clear: the pass rush still needs a boost. And Clowney, one of the most experienced edge rushers still available, could be the solution.

"The Jaguars have had a difficult offseason, losing Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency and having a baffling draft thereafter," Pereles wrote. "Offensive line could use an upgrade or two, even after the Emmanuel Pregnon selection, but Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker desperately need some help. Clowney continues to be productive against the run and the pass."

Clowney has been a steady force throughout his NFL career. Over the past two seasons alone, he's generated 40-plus quarterback pressures and racked up 14 sacks. He's also not far removed from a standout 2023 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded a career-high 78 pressures.

For Jacksonville, shoring up the pass rush has been a clear offseason priority. Last season, the team ranked 18th in pressure rate and a disappointing 27th in sacks—numbers that simply won't cut it in a competitive AFC South.

The Jaguars did add Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee in the draft, and they'll compete with BJ Green and Danny Striggow for rotational snaps behind stars Hines-Allen and Walker. But here's the reality: those four young players have minimal NFL experience. While competition is healthy, banking on unproven talent to deliver consistent production is a gamble.

That's where Clowney comes in. His veteran presence would not only provide immediate depth but also take some of the pressure off the young core. However, adding him likely means making a tough decision during roster cutdowns—possibly parting ways with one of the team's developing pass rushers.

Still, for a team looking to elevate its defensive front, Clowney's blend of experience, production, and proven ability against both the run and pass makes him a compelling addition. Whether the Jaguars pull the trigger remains to be seen, but the fit is undeniably strong.