The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently about $3.5 million over the 2019 salary cap.
While many people think that limited cap space will cause the Jaguars to not be major players in free agency this spring, this may not be the case. Yes, the Jaguars will likely not be as active in free agency as they have been over the past few years, but with a few of these roster moves, the Jaguars could have more cap space than fans might think.
Here are some players that could become cap casualties in the upcoming weeks and months.
DT Malik Jackson ($11 Million)
It is likely that the Jaguars cut Jackson this offseason, as he voiced his displeasure with the team after he was reduced from a starting role to a pass rush specialist in 2018.
S Tashaun Gipson ($7.45 Million)
Gipson is an interesting case as he performed very well in 2018. But with the resigning of Jarrod Wilson and the play of Ronnie Harrison, the team could see him as expendable moving forward.
DT Marcell Dareus ($10.6 Million)
Dareus is also playing at a high level and should return in 2019, especially if the Jaguars decide to part ways with the aforementioned Jackson
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins ($4.75 Million)
It was very surprising to see that Seferian-Jenkins expects to be released. Although he didn’t pan out like the team hoped, he would be a great asset under new OC John DeFilippo.
OT Jeremy Parnell ($6 Million)
Parnell’s play has been declining the past two seasons; it would be a huge surprise to see him on the team in 2019.
RB Carlos Hyde ($4.75 Million)
Hyde will likely not be back with the team as his play did nothing to warrant his contract in 2018. Most of that can be faulted to the Jaguars offensive style though, and it raises concerns for why they even decided to trade for Hyde in the first place.
QB Blake Bortles ($4.5 Million)
Most analysts expect Bortles to be cut. However, it makes more financial sense for the team to cut him in 2020 when they only have to absorb $5 million in dead money from his contract instead of $16 million.
If the Jaguars were to cut each of these players they would have more than $45 million in cap space to work with. Although they more than likely won’t cut each of these players there are options for the team to get creative and still be active in free agency.
