4 Jaguars cuts before the 2021 season that would surprise no one

4. Josh Jones, safety, Jacksonville Jaguars

Safety Josh Jones started 13 games for the Jaguars last season. He also logged 83 total tackles, one pass deflection, and an interception. At first sight, those numbers don’t necessarily look bad. However, that kind of production may not be enough to help the 2017 second-round pick his job this offseason. He gave up 20 completions on 27 targets and posted a paltry 43.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 2020. Keep in mind that the Jags went with him last year because they had nobody else to turn to.

The North Carolina State product signed a one-year deal to return to Jacksonville this offseason. However, there may not be a roster spot for him in 2021. The Jaguars drafted Andre Cisco in this year’s selection meeting. Daniel Thomas showed promises as a rookie before an arm injury ended his rookie campaign and the team also signed Rayshawn Jenkins in free agency.

Jenkins should start next to veteran Jarrod Wilson in Week 1 while Cisco competes with Thomas for playing time in 2021. Also, reserve safety Andrew Wingard is still on the roster and is younger and cheaper than Jones.

The dead cap hit for releasing Jones before the start of the season would be just $25,000, a relatively small amount. Thomas will try to earn playing time and it may just a matter of time before Cisco joins the starting lineup. Unless Jones wows the coaching staff in training camp, he is a good bet to get the pink slip.