The Jacksonville Jaguars indicated Sunday that they are open to trading away cornerback CJ Henderson.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, several executives within the team indicated that Henderson, whom the Jaguars selected ninth overall in the 2020 NFL draft, would be available via trade. Fowler also said that Henderson, who is only a year into his rookie contract, would generate some interest among teams.
The Jaguars signed former Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin to a three-year, $44.5 million deal in free agency, and drafted Georgia corner Tyson Campbell in the second round of the 2021 draft.
A surprise: Multiple team execs believe #Jaguars corner C.J. Henderson — the ninth overall pick in 2020 — is available via trade. Jacksonville has given impression in some league circles that it’s shopping Henderson, a high-pedigree player one year into rookie deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 8, 2021
Henderson was a standout at the University of Florida before being drafted by the Jaguars. He started eight games for the Jaguars, amassing 6 pass breakups, 36 tackles and an interception. Then, a groin injury cost him the rest of his rookie season. He also had labrum surgery during the offseason and was on the Reserve/COVID-19 list to start the season. He was taken off the list on Friday.
Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer expressed disappointment that Henderson was limited in practice. “It’s almost like okay he is back—COVID-19. And then okay he is back—three-day acclimation,” he said. Henderson spent Tuesday’s practice on the sidelines and Wednesday on a stationary bike.
This isn’t the first time Jacksonville has shipped out the first-round corner. Jacksonville famously traded the former fifth-overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 for two first-round picks, which turned out to be edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson and running back Travis Etienne.