2024 Offseason: Which Players Do the Jaguars Need to Make Decisions On?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have some tough decisions to make in 2024.
A year after the Jaguars were able to largely bring back the same supporting cast outside of a few faces, there is plenty of more intrigue and plenty of more questions facing the Jaguars this time around.
So, which players do the Jaguars have the most important question marks surrounding? We break it down below.
Josh Allen
This is the most obvious name on the list, though he might also be the most likely to return. The Jaguars had Allen play on his fifth-year option in 2023 and Allen blew all of his previous career highs out of the water as he had one of the best seasons of any pass-rusher. While he was snubbed of All-Pro honors, he is the only Jaguar drafted since 2019 to be named to a Pro Bowl, let alone to two.
It doesn't seem as if the Jaguars will let Allen hit free-agency -- much like it seemed like a year ago that Evan Engram would never actually be a free-agent. If the Jaguars don't sign Allen to the lucrative deal that he deserves, he very easily could be tagged. This would eliminate the chance of him signing elsewhere, while also giving the Jaguars more time to work toward an extension.
Calvin Ridley
Perhaps the biggest domino effect of Josh Allen not having a deal yet is felt by Calvin Ridley. The Jaguars may have to use the franchise tag on Allen, which means they wouldn't be able to use it on Ridley. This would mean the Jaguars would have to sign Ridley to an extension to prevent him from hitting free-agency, but doing so would concede a second-round draft pick.
The Jaguars, who are already on the hook for a third-round pick for Ridley, could let Ridley test free agency and attempt to sign him after the start of the league year, which could theoretically ensure they don't give up a second-round pick. This would run the risk of Ridley signing elsewhere though.
Darious Williams
Darious Williams is coming off the best year of his career after four interceptions, 19 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 2023. He was one of the best players on the team in 2023, which makes this a hard decision. As good as Williams was in 2023, there are a few factors at play moving forward.
One is the fact that Williams will be 31 entering the 2024 season. As good as he has been as a Jaguar, the dropoff could hit at any time as he inches closer to the outside years of his career. Plus, Williams is one of the contracts on the roster the Jaguars can most easily get out of. The Jaguars can release him and take on only $500,000 in dead money while saving $10 million in cap space.
Brandon Scherff
An aging veteran who has been a positive free-agent addition, Brandon Scherff is another tough decision. Scherff is one of the best leaders on the team and sets the tone for the offensive line on the practice field and in the locker room. The 32-year-old is tough as nails and hasn't missed a start, but the Jaguars do need to consider looking ahead considering where he is at in his career.
If the Jaguars were to release Scherff with a post-June 1s designation, then they would save $16,441,184. With Scherff set to have the second highest cap hit on the roster, it is worth considering if it is prudent to continue to pay Scherff this much considering his career stage.
Cam Robinson
The Jaguars have been better with Cam Robinson on the field in recent years, but it might be time for them to weigh all options. Robinson, who missed eight games in 2023 (four due to suspension, four due to injury) already has a built-in replacement in Walker Little. But after a year of offensive line injuries, would it be tough for the Jaguars to move on?
Releasing Robinson with a post-June 1st designation would save $16,109,473 and only carry a $5 million dead cap hit. In terms of financial motives, there aren't many reasons not to consider a tough move with Robinson.
Rayshawn Jenkins
Rayshawn Jenkins is still a solid player after three productive seasons with the Jaguars, but he is an expensive veteran who has a cheap backup waiting in the wings to take over. Jenkins, who is the sixth-biggest cap hit on the roster in 2024, would save the Jaguars $9 million if he is released and could be replaced immediately by second-year defensive back Antonio Johnson.
Ezra Cleveland
The Jaguars and Ezra Cleveland essentially auditioned with one another in 2023 after the Jaguars traded for him at the deadline. He didn't upgrade the offensive line like many hoped despite stepping into left guard, but he did have moments and flashes that made him look like a natural fit in Doug Pederson's scheme.
Whether Cleveland returns in 2024 likely depends on his asking price. Cleveland could have a decently-sized list of suitors in free-agency, but he didn't quite do enough down the stretch to convince the Jaguars to empty the bank for him, either.
Foley Fatukasi
Foley Fatukasi has displayed top-tier run-stuffing ability during his two-year run with the Jaguars, but the change in defensive scheme following the firing of Mike Caldwell and most of his staff could make this an interesting decision. Fatukasi being released with a post-June 1st designation would save the Jaguars $8 million.
Zay Jones
Jacksonville would save $8 million in cap space if they designated Jones as a post-June 1st release, which could make things interesting moving forward if the Jaguars decide they want to re-work the receiver room. This would be a surprising move considering Jones' proven chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and the toughness he showed in 2024, but all moves could be on the table.
