Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 potential salary-cap casualties in 2020

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t get much from Tyler Eifert in 2020.

Tyler Eifert was a fine tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals early in his career and he could’ve been one of the best ones at his position had it not been for injuries. To his credit, he played a full 16-game season in 2019, which prompted the Jaguars to give him a two-year $9.5 million contract last offseason.

However, Eifert is not more than a role player at this point in his career. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as not every player can be an All-Pro. In 2020, he hauled in 36 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns, which is solid but not what Jacksonville probably expected when they brought him in.

Eifert’s production may not justify his $6.375 million salary in 2021, and the ‘Jags’ could save $5.25 million by releasing him. They would take a $1.25 million dead cap hit but they could use the savings to upgrade their tight end room and sign a free agent such as Jonnu Smith or Hunter Henry.

If Eifert’s salary were lower, it would make sense for the Jaguars to keep him. Nevertheless, they need to trim the roster and bring in difference-makers that will help them turn things around.