With the Jaguars in "win now" mode, some of the notable players on their roster may only get one more chance to collect victories in Jacksonville.
The business aspect of the NFL keeps rosters in steady rotation. As players like Andrew Norwell and D.J. Hayden enter the earliest phases of their lucrative long-term contracts, incumbent players like Dante Fowler and T.J. Yeldon are forced to play out their rookie deals.
With young superstars like Yannick Ngakoue, Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack eligible for massive contract extensions next offseason, the Jaguars may be forced to move on from players like Fowler and Yeldon.
That pair and a handful of other notable names are set to hit free agency next offseason, making this year critical to their long-term outlook in the NFL. While the list isn't full of stars, it does include some noteworthy role players who could be depended on heavily during their potential final year in Jacksonville.
Donte Moncrief
Projected 2018 Role: Starting wide receiver
2018 Salary: $9.6 million
Notable 2017 Stats: 26 catches for 391 receiving yards and two touchdowns
Thoughts: Moncrief was signed to a polarizing one-year contract based on his upside during free agency. Projected as a top-two wide receiver, Moncrief will get the opportunity to earn a long-term deal in Jacksonville or elsewhere. When healthy, Moncrief is a notable deep-threat option for Blake Bortles.
Dante Fowler
Projected 2018 Role: Rotational defensive end
2018 Salary: $5.87 million
Notable 2017 Stats: 21 tackles and eight sacks
Thoughts: Fowler had a career year last season but the Jaguars decided to pass on his fifth-year option in May. In a contract year, Fowler will be able to secure a long-term deal with another impressive season. If he can reach double digit sacks, he may force the Jaguars to invest in him next offseason.
T.J. Yeldon
Projected 2018 Role: Third-down back
2018 Salary: $1.47 million
Notable 2017 Stats: 49 carries for 253 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns; 30 catches for 224 receiving yards
Thoughts: While Yeldon is already a strong blocker and receiver, he will need to run better between the tackles to have a shot at a starting job in the future. Currently stuck behind Leonard Fournette, Yeldon will need to make the most of his opportunities this season to receive a long-term deal.
A.J. Cann
Projected 2018 Role: Starting right guard
2018 Salary: $843,149
Notable 2017 Stats: 15 starts
Thoughts: With Norwell in the mix, Cann will need to prove he isn't the weakest link along the line. A polarizing player at this point, Cann will work to hold onto his right guard job during training camp. If he can improve as a run blocker, Cann's outlook in Jacksonville may change.
Corey Grant
Projected 2018 Role: Kick returner/change-of-pace back
2018 Salary: $2.91 million
Notable 2017 Stats: 30 carries for 248 rushing yards and two touchdowns; three catches for 41 receiving yards
Thoughts: The Jaguars invested heavily in Grant with a second-round restricted tender during free agency. Following his impressive AFC Championship Game performance, the Jaguars will look to get Grant more involved on offense. If Grant can make big plays in the passing game, the Jaguars may opt to keep him over Yeldon.
Josh Lambo
Projected 2018 Role: Starting kicker
2018 Salary: $660,000
Notable 2017 Stats: 19-of-20 on field goals (95%), 22-of-24 on extra points (91.7%)
Thoughts: Lambo had a sensational first season with the Jaguars but will need to keep up his consistency in his second campaign. Lambo is still very young and has plenty of football ahead of him, so a big year could lead to a long-term tenure in Jacksonville.
Tommy Bohanon
Projected 2018 Role: Starting fullback
2018 Salary: $740,000
Notable 2017 Stats: Five carries for five rushing yards; six catches for 43 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown
Thoughts: Bohanon had a solid comeback season last year and he is currently running unopposed at fullback heading into training camp. In order to secure a new contract, Bohanon will need to continue to push his way forward as a lead blocker for Fournette.
Tyler Shatley
Projected 2018 Role: Top interior backup lineman
2018 Salary: $1.02 million
Notable 2017 Stats: 16 games (four starts)
Thoughts: Shatley has been a reliable backup along the offensive line over the last three seasons. With injuries bound to happen, Shatley should get the opportunity to prove himself at some point this season.
Along with the featured group, Josh Wells, Ben Koyack, James O'Shaughnessy, Rashad Greene and Tyler Patmon are also set to become free agents next offseason.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter: @Mike_E_Kaye.