Jacksonville Jaguars to Release CB Will Blackmon

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars fortify secondary in 4-round 2023 Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft
• Jacksonville Jaguars RT Jawaan Taylor expected to have massive market in 2023 NFL Free Agency
• Robert Tonyan could be perfect complement to Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram in 2023 NFL Free Agency
• 5 Jacksonville Jaguars dream targets in 2023 NFL Free Agency
• 3 potential trade partners for Jacksonville Jaguars CB Shaquill Griffin

In order to open up space in what has become a crowded defensive backfield, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to release veteran cornerback

according to reports.

A fan favorite, especially on Twitter, Blackmon thanked the fans and the community for his time in Jacksonville.

Blackmon originally latched on to the Jaguars in 2013 after being released by the Seahawks, and he was immediately one of best players on defense. Used almost exclusively as a slot corner, Blackmon was the veteran presence in a defensive backfield rife with rookies following the 2013 NFL Draft. Blackmon’s most memorable play happened in a week 10 win over the division rival Tennessee Titans, when Blackmon stripped Titans’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick of the football and ran back the fumble for essentially a game-clinching score.

Blackmon’s release probably says more about the Jaguars belief in their young nucleus than Blackmon’s ability to still play. With Demetrius McCray and Aaron Colvin basically locked in as the starters, Dwayne Gratz should be the favorite to cover the slot. Blackmon’s departure could also mean the Jaguars are working on bringing in another veteran corner, or possibly resigning Alan Ball.

Either way, it’s tough to see Blackmon go as he was an impact player during a time when the Jaguars didn’t have many.