Shaquill Griffin, Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to build off what was a breakthrough season for them.
After winning four games the two previous years combined, the Jacksonville Jaguars were one possession away from winning two playoff games.
Jacksonville put forth a valiant effort in the AFC Divisional Round vs. the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead, but the Jaguars simply did not have enough firepower to overtake the AFC West juggernaut in their pace. They will be the overwhelming favorite to repeat in the AFC South next year, but the Jaguars are not going to have a lot of money to be working with this time around…
Over $20 million in the whole, do not expect these guys to be back for the cash-strapped Jags.
Table of Contents
- Page 1: The Jaguars can save a bunch of money by cutting this expensive defensive back.
- Page 2: The Jaguars could lose a talented offensive tackle in free agency for more money.
- Page 3: The Jaguars can actually afford to let this veteran wide receiver walk out the door.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 players who will be gone, best options to replace them
Shaquill Griffin
DB Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars can save $13 million in cap space by cutting Shaquill Griffin
Shaquill Griffin may have been a Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks, but that was three years ago. After only playing five games for the Jaguars this past season, Griffin is a prime candidate to be a cap casualty. Releasing him will save Jacksonville around $13 million. For a team that needs to get under the cap in a bad way, this is one of the easiest moves the Jaguars could even make.
Cutting one of the Jaguars’ most expensive players makes a ton of sense, especially one of depreciating value. Since resources are scarce, the Jaguars will need to find ways to free up some necessary capital. After all, they are a playoff team with a franchise quarterback still on his rookie contract. How the Jaguars handle the offseason process will determine if they can stay relevant.
By cutting Griffin, the Jaguars can look at finding a better defensive back for the money this spring.
Jessie Bates
DB Cincinnati Bengals
Jacksonville Jaguars can afford one big swing, so why not pursue Jessie Bates?
The one big name to monitor when it comes to the Jaguars in free agency outside of the organization just might be Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates. He may not replace Griffin at his same position per se, but he could be the big name coming into the Jacksonville defensive backfield once the overpriced cornerback is let go. Keep in mind the Bengals tagged Bates in 2022.
While he may want to return to Cincinnati on a new deal, going to another team on the rise in the AFC in Jacksonville may not be a bad thing either. With there being no state income tax in Florida, Bates might be able to recoup some of that coin he would be looking for on the open market. His dollar could go further in Duval, but how sure are we the Jaguars will be better than the Bengals?
Every team owes it to itself to pursue one big name in free agency, and Bates is that for the Jags.