Jaguars Analysis: Not many free agents, but many tough decisions

Only Green Bay (four) and Cleveland (eight) have fewer projected unrestricted free agents than the Jaguars’ eight.

But how the Jaguars handle their small class could have a big impact on their approach to signing other teams’ players and how they handle the draft.

The Jaguars are free to sign any of the players to extensions. Recent history suggests that a Jaguars player who reaches the market March 12 doesn’t return.

Here is a player by player look at the Jaguars’ group of unrestricted free agents:

ALLEN ROBINSON

Position: Receiver.

2017 snaps: Played three of 1,129 (0.3 percent).

2017 statistics: Caught one pass for 17 yards and sustained a torn ACL on the play in Week 1 at Houston.

Why re-sign him: Robinson was the Jaguars’ best receiver in 2015-16, reaching the Pro Bowl in ‘15 after having 1,400 yards receiving and a league-high 14 touchdowns. He makes quarterback Blake Bortles’ life easier because of his ability to out-athletic defenders downfield. Two weeks ago, Robinson said he expects to pass a physical when he signs with the Jaguars or another team in March. He may not be a No. 1 receiver, but he’s the Jaguars No. 1 receiver, which makes him a priority to re-sign.

Why let him walk: A team like San Francisco with patience and cap space signs Robinson to a mega-deal averaging $15 million per year knowing he may not be at full strength when the camp opens and the Jaguars don’t want to go that high with their financial commitment.

Prediction: Robinson plays under the franchise tag or signs a multi-year deal with the Jaguars that includes easy-to-attain incentives if he is healthy in 2018.

MARQISE LEE

Position: Receiver.

2017 snaps: Played 727 of 1,129 (64.4 percent).

2017 statistics: Led the Jaguars in catches (56), was second to rookie Keelan Cole in receiving yards (702) and scored three touchdowns in 14 games. Missed the final two regular season games with an ankle injury.

Why re-sign him: The Jaguars would likely sign Lee only if they don’t bring back Robinson, and that chance is slim. One possibility is the Jaguars cut Allen Hurns to create $7 million in cap space or ask him to renegotiate and take a pay cut, which frees up money to re-sign Lee.

Why let him walk: The Jaguars drafted Dede Westbrook and signed Cole last year and they developed into solid contributors. Lee has only eight touchdowns in 53 career games.

Prediction: Lee signs with another team.

AARON COLVIN

Position: Cornerback.

2017 snaps: Played 704 of 1,040 (67.7 percent).

2017 statistics: Missed most of training camp with an injury but played all 16 games during the regular season, finishing ninth of the team with 44 tackles. In the playoffs, he had his first career interception.

Why re-sign him: Teams play with a third cornerback on nearly 70 percent of the snaps and Colvin has developed into a dependable nickel cornerback, able to cover in man and zone. He is also physical in the run game and can blitz. Plus, there is not a no-doubt in-house option to replace Colvin.

Why let him walk: The Jaguars are already paying A.J. Bouye (2018 cap number of $15.5 million) and need to have a big check ready for Jalen Ramsey after the 2018 season. Simply put, Colvin may be the odd man out if another team offers him starter-type money to play the slot.

Prediction: We’ll be bold and say the Jaguars find a way to keep Colvin.

PAUL POSLUSZNY

Position: Middle linebacker.

2017 snaps: Played 479 of 1,040 (46.1 percent).

2017 statistics: Finished seventh on the team in tackles (60) during the regular season and had 1 1/2 sacks.

Why re-sign him: A defensive co-captain, Posluszny handled his reduced role with professionalism and remained productive in the base defense. Posluszny remains a solid run defender who can lead younger players.

Why let him walk: If the Jaguars want to get younger and cheaper, this is the spot to do it. They could move Myles Jack into the every-down middle linebacker role or draft a player to play middle linebacker in the base package.

Prediction: Posluszny signs a two-year deal for around $1.5 million per season to remain with the Jaguars.

PATRICK OMAMEH

Position: Left guard.

2017 snaps: Played 862 of 1,129 (76.4 percent).

2017 statistics: Won a training camp competition and started 14 games at left guard. He missed two games with an injury.

Why re-sign him: The Jaguars want to build interior offensive line depth and have Omameh return as an insurance policy in case they are unable to draft a new left guard. He was booked for 4 1/2 sacks during the regular season and was called for only two enforced penalties.

Why let him walk: The only reason would be if a team comes forward to sign Omameh to a three-year deal and makes him an immediate starter.

Prediction: Omameh signs a two-year contract to return to the Jaguars.

LERENTEE MCCRAY

Position: Linebacker/defensive end.

2017 snaps: Played 21 of 1,040 (2.0 percent) on defense in the regular season and 268 special teams snaps including the playoffs.

2017 statistics: Had 1 1/2 sacks and three tackles during the regular season.

Why re-sign him: McCray served as a fill-in pass rusher in a few games and showed an ability to get around the corner. And he was a durable and productive special teams player.

Why let him walk: McCray turns 28 in August and the Jaguars look at later in the draft and/or undrafted free agency to build their core of special teams players.

Prediction: McCray signs elsewhere.

CHAD HENNE

Position: Quarterback.

2017 snaps: Played 23 of 1,129 (2.0 percent). Attempted two passes (both incompletions).

2017 statistics: Did not attempt a pass.

Why re-sign him: If the Jaguars keep Blake Bortles, it makes sense to re-sign Henne since he has served as a sounding board for Bortles since 2014.

Why let him walk: If the Jaguars walk away from Bortles in favor of a veteran quarterback, that means Henne is not in their plans, either. If Bortles returns, Henne’s best chance to return is if the Jaguars opt to draft a young quarterback and keep three on the 53-man roster.

Prediction: Bortles stays so Henne will re-sign.

MATT OVERTON

Position: Long snapper.

2017 snaps played: Played 90 snaps before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury Nov. 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

2017 statistics: Signed to replace Carson Tinker (ACL) in early August, Overton — who previously played for Indianapolis — was called and he was available for Week 1.

Why re-sign him: The only reason would be if Tinker has a setback at some point during the offseason.

Why let him walk: Tinker said Monday he is on track with his rehabilitation and if he’s healthy, there is not an opportunity for Overton.

Prediction: Overton signs elsewhere.