The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t exactly starved for salary cap space with an estimated $11.3 million that puts them right around the middle of the NFL rankings. But if the team hopes to retain Josh Allen and/or Calvin Ridley while also making moves to improve the roster, some money will need to be freed up.
There are a few avenues to make that happen, but Pro Football Focus highlighted a somewhat surprising one in their list of “cut candidates.” According to PFF, the Jaguars should consider parting ways with wide receiver Zay Jones. Via PFF:
“Jones missed multiple stretches of the 2023 season, and Jacksonville is preparing to bring fellow wideout Calvin Ridley back on a much bigger veteran contract. The emergence of rookie Parker Washington could help fill the void here in 2024 and beyond.”
Jones, who turns 29 next month, recorded a career-best 82 receptions for 823 yards during the 2022 season. He struggled through knee injuries for much of 2023, though, and recorded only 34 receptions for 321 yards in nine games played.
But he’s not exactly breaking the bank either. His $10,752,628 salary cap hit in 2024 isn’t that cumbersome and the Jaguars can only get $4,183,294 of savings by cutting ties.
So the question comes down to whether the Jaguars would prefer to have Jones or about $4.2 million in additional cap space.
While it’s true that the development of Parker Washington could mean a veteran is pushed out, that appears to be Jamal Agnew, who is headed for free agency next month.
If the Jaguars retain Ridley or overhaul their receiving corps by adding another player or two in the offseason — perhaps both — then Jones could easily be the odd man out. But now doesn’t seem like the time to part with the receiver just to free up a few million when there are significantly more lucrative avenues.
It’s worth pointing out too that Jones is currently involved in an active court case after getting arrested in November on a domestic battery charge. Jacksonville may be hesitant to make a decision about Jones before the case is resolved and the NFL makes a punishment ruling.
A roster spot in 2024 for Jones is by no means guaranteed, but it’d be a surprise if his release is coming any time soon.
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