Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly making CJ Henderson available for trade

The Jacksonville Jaguars spent their 2020 ninth-overall pick on cornerback CJ Henderson out of Florida. Now, the Jaguars are reportedly making their young corner available in trade talks around the league, according to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler.

The corner would garner interest around the league

Henderson being available via trade is surprising for a player that was expected to become a defensive building block on Jacksonville’s defense. But now, with training camp in full swing, that is apparently the case.

“Multiple team execs believe Jaguars corner CJ Henderson – the ninth overall pick in 2020 – is available via trade,” Fowler tweeted. “Jacksonville has given impression in some league circles that it’s shopping Henderson, a high-pedigree player one year into rookie deal.”

Despite rumors of the Jaguars shopping Henderson, things are reportedly fine between the two sides.

“A source says things are good with the team and Henderson, who just returned from the Covid-19/reserve list,” Fowler said. “So maybe they hold onto him. But the team likes its corners and Henderson would have interest.”

A source says things are good with the team and Henderson, who just returned from the Covid-19/reserve list. So maybe they hold onto him. But the team likes its corners and Henderson would have interest.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 8, 2021

Henderson has dealt with injuries during his time in the NFL

Henderson’s first season in the NFL was unfortunately cut short due to a couple of injuries. First, he played through a shoulder injury before a groin injury ultimately put him on injured reserve and ending his season. Henderson appeared in eight games, totaling 36 tackles, six passes defended and one interception.

Back in March, Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer spoke on Henderson, noting how talented of a player he is. Meyer also noted that Henderson had labrum surgery, which he is now nearly full recovered from.

“I spent some time with CJ,” Meyer said. “My gosh, is he talented. I know Dan Mullen very well who’s coached him in college. He’s an integral part of this. Obviously, you spend a high draft pick on him and he’s a wonderful young man that dealt with some injury situations and missed some games near the end of the season.”

The Jaguars added former Seattle Seahawks Shaquill Griffin during free agency on a three-year, $44.5 million contract. Tyson Campbell, Tre Herndon and Sidney Jones are among the other corners on Jacksonville’s roster, in addition to Henderson.

A new era is getting underway in Jacksonville under Meyer. They have a nice young core, led by 2021 draft picks Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne. Henderson should be part of that young core for the future, but right now that seems uncertain.

Image courtesy of: James Gilbert via Getty Images.