3 Jaguars that could have a diminished role in 2021

3. Sidney Jones, cornerback, Jacksonville Jaguars

When it comes to the NFL, there’s always a next man mentality. If you suffer an injury, there will (or should) always be someone ready to take your place. The problem is that more often than not, you will not get your old job back unless you are a superstar. Most of the time, teams will go with the cheaper or younger option. This is precisely what will happen to cornerback Sidney Jones in 2021.

The Philadelphia Eagles gave up on Jones after three years of minimal returns last offseason. The 2017 second-round pick promptly signed with the Jaguars and quickly become a key cog in the secondary. He logged 26 total tackles, nine passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. The corner was having a career revival and was probably on his way to earning an extension when he suffered an Achilles injury.

In the end, the Jags did re-sign Jones but it was only a one-year deal. Moreover, he will now be part of a crowded cornerback room and it’s not a sure bet to be part of the starting lineup in the season opener but even if he is, he could lose his job to rookie Tyson Cambell, the 33rd overall selection in this year’s draft.

Sophomore C.J. Henderson should be back in the lineup after missing the last eight games of the 2020 season and free-agent acquisition Shaquill Griffin will surely play opposite of him. It looks like Jones will go from starter to backup in 2021.