As the 2024 offseason approaches, who players may the Jaguars need to release?
The Jacksonville Jaguars face some difficult decisions in 2024.
A year after the Jaguars were able to re-sign most of their supporting cast with the exception of a few names, there is plenty of intrigue and uncertainties for the Jaguars this season.
So, which players do the Jaguars have the greatest question marks around? We break it down below.
Josh Allen
This is the most obvious name on the list, but he may also be the most likely to return. The Jaguars had Allen play on his fifth-year option in 2023, and he outperformed all of his prior career highs, having one of the best seasons of any pass-rusher. While he was passed over for All-Pro consideration, he is the first Jaguar drafted since 2019 to be named to a Pro Bowl, let alone two.
It doesn’t appear that the Jaguars will allow Allen to enter free agency, much as it thought a year ago that Evan Engram would never become a free agent. If the Jaguars do not sign Allen to the rich contract he deserves, he may easily be tagged. This would eliminate the possibility of his signing elsewhere, while also giving the Jaguars additional time to negotiate an extension.
Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley is likely to suffer the most as a result of Josh Allen’s lack of a contract. The Jaguars may have to use the franchise tag on Allen, which would prevent them from using it on Ridley. This would need the Jaguars to sign Ridley to an extension to keep him from becoming a free agent, but doing so would cost them a second-round selection pick.
The Jaguars, who already owe Ridley a third-round pick, may let him test free agency and try to sign him once the league year begins, ensuring they do not give up a second-round pick. However, Ridley could end up signing elsewhere.
Darious Williams
Darious Williams is coming off the greatest year of his career, with four interceptions, 19 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 2023. He was one of the finest players on the squad in 2023, making this a difficult decision. As good as Williams was in 2023, there are other aspects to consider moving ahead.
Williams will be 31 years old when the 2024 season begins. As good as he has been as a Jaguar, the drop-off might come at any point as he approaches the end of his career. In addition, Williams is one of the contracts on the Jaguars’ roster that may be readily terminated. The Jaguars may release him for $500,000 in dead money, saving $10 million in salary space.
Brandon Scherff
Brandon Scherff, an elderly veteran who has been a valuable free agent addition, is another difficult choice. Scherff is one of the team’s greatest leaders, setting the tone for the offensive line on practice days and in the locker room. The 32-year-old is tough as nails and has yet to miss a start, but the Jaguars might consider moving ahead given where he is in his career.
If the Jaguars release Scherff with a post-June 1s designation, they will save $16,441,184. With Scherff likely to have the second highest cap charge on the roster, it is worth contemplating whether it is sensible to continue to pay him at this level given his career stage.
Cam Robinson
The Jaguars have performed better with Cam Robinson on the field in recent years, but it may be time to consider all options. Robinson, who will miss eight games in 2023 (four due to suspension and four due to injury), already has a built-in successor, Walker Little. But, following a year of offensive line problems, would the Jaguars find it difficult to go forward?
Releasing Robinson with a post-June 1st designation would save $16,109,473 and result in a $5 million dead cap hit. In terms of financial motivations, there are few reasons not to make a bold move with Robinson.
Rayshawn Jenkins
Rayshawn Jenkins remains a strong player after three productive seasons with the Jaguars, but he is an expensive veteran with a low-cost backup ready to take over. Jenkins, who has the sixth-highest cap cost on the Jaguars’ roster in 2024, would save the team $9 million if released and could be replaced immediately by second-year defensive back Antonio Johnson.
Ezra Cleveland
The Jaguars and Ezra Cleveland basically auditioned for each other in 2023 when the Jaguars traded for him at the deadline. Despite moving to left guard, he did not improve the offensive line as many expected, but he did have moments and glimpses that made him appear to be a natural fit in Doug Pederson’s scheme.
Whether Cleveland returns in 2024 will most likely be determined by his asking price. Cleveland may have a sizable number of suitors in free agency, but he didn’t do enough down the line to persuade the Jaguars to break the bank for him.
Foley Fatukasi
Foley Fatukasi has demonstrated elite run-stuffing skills during his two-year tenure with the Jaguars, but the change in defensive scheme following the resignation of Mike Caldwell and the majority of his staff may make this an intriguing option. Fatukasi’s release with a post-June 1st designation would save the Jaguars $8 million.
Zay Jones
Jacksonville would save $8 million in cap space by designating Jones as a post-June 1st release, which might make things interesting in the future if the Jaguars decide to restructure the receiving room. This would be an unexpected move given Jones’ proven chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and the tenacity he demonstrated in 2024, but all options are on the table.
