Jags cut Beadles, Clemons, save $9.5 million against '16 cap

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars have cut guard Zane Beadles and defensive end Chris Clemons, saving the team $9.5 million against the 2016 salary cap.

The team made the moves Thursday, six days before the start of the new league year.

''This is a very challenging time of year in the NFL, and making moves like these are necessary but very difficult,'' Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said. ''While we understand that this is a business, it does not make these decisions any easier. Zane and Chris have helped play a role in what we are building here in Jacksonville and we are extremely grateful for their work on and off the field over the past two seasons. We wish them the best of luck in the future.''

Beadles started every game over the last two seasons, but wasn't nearly as effective the Jaguars had hoped when they gave him a five-year, $30 million contract in 2014. The deal included $12.5 million guaranteed. The 29-year-old Beadles had three years remaining on his contract and was due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13. He would have counted $5.5 million against the cap in 2016 and $6 million in 2016 and 2017.

The 34-year-old Clemons, who had three sacks last season, signed a four-year, $17.5 million contract in 2014. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13 and would have counted $4 million against the cap in 2016 and 2017.

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