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

1. A.J. Cann, offensive guard, Jacksonville Jaguars

Why would the Jaguars cut the 28th-best offensive guard in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus? Although A.J. Cann has been a staple of the team’s offensive line since 2015, the team may opt to go in a different direction this offseason.

Keeping Cann certainly comes with benefits. Although he has never earned a Pro Bowl nod nor an All-Pro designation, he’s been pretty reliable over his six-year career, appearing in 91 games with 90 starts. He has also been reliable and has missed just five games since 2015. The Jags brought back all their starting offensive line from 2020 and it looks like they will roll with the same bunch this offseason. On the other hand, the team drafted Ben Bartch last year and showed flashes in two starts. He could make Cann expendable if he has an outstanding training camp.

Jacksonville brought back reserve offensive lineman Tyler Shatley this offseason. Even though there’s a significant drop in talent from Cann to Shatley, the latter has been competent when the team has plugged him in. Having him on the roster would ensure the Jaguars that they have depth behind Bartch.

Cutting Cann would create a dead cap hit of $1.3 million but the organization would free up almost $5 million in cap space. Also, Jacksonville could use the veteran’s roster spot on one of the many young players they have acquired this offseason.