Jacksonville Jaguars: Is time running out for DT Taven Bryan?

The Jacksonville Jaguars failed to stop opposing offenses from putting points on the scoreboard in 2020. Thus, it wasn’t shocking to see the team aggressively revamp their defensive line this offseason to prevent that from happening again. Just keep in mind that adding players means others will no longer be part of the roster in 2021 and defensive tackle Taven Bryan could be on his way out.

Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report recently wrote about NFL players that are in danger of losing their job and Bryan showed up in his list. He says that the Florida product hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a first-round selection and adds that he will now face competition at the defensive tackle position with offseason additions Roy Robertson-Harris, Tyson Alualu, and Malcom Brown now on the roster.

Bryan, the 29th overall selection in 2018’s draft, looked at the time like a solid addition to a defense that had ranked second in points allowed and total yards the season before. However, the Wyoming native has been a non-factor throughout his three-year tenure in Jacksonville, registering 71 total tackles, 11 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

What will the Jacksonville Jaguars do with Taven Bryan?

Bryan was likely aware he was on the hot seat after an underwhelming 2020 season and if he wasn’t, the Jaguars’ offseason additions might’ve given him a clue. Jacksonville played him last year because they had nobody else to turn to. Rookie defensive tackles DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin saw their role increase throughout the season while Bryan’s went down and if Hamilton and Costin hadn’t missed time with injuries, Bryan’s playing time would’ve been even lower.

Bryan still has one year on his rookie deal but if he could become a victim of the numbers game if the Jaguars keep adding defensive line talent in the draft. If Jacksonville released him, they would just save $1.15 million and incur a $2 million dead cap hit. On the other hand, the new coaching staff may be inclined to give him one last shot.

While Bryan hasn’t performed the way the Jags expected him when they drafted him in 2018, he may still have a chance to turn his career around. Whether that happens in Jacksonville or somewhere else, that’s a different story.