Jaguars roster: 3 veteran newcomers who could be cut before Week 1

Veteran newcomer on Jaguars roster No. 3 – Quarterback C.J. Beathard

The Jaguars could face a conundrum when it comes to the quarterback position. It’s just a matter of time before they officially name Trevor Lawrence the starter. On the other hand, they could have a tough decision to make ahead of training camp.

Will the Jags carry two or three quarterbacks in 2021? After all, the third signal-caller on the depth chart hardly ever sees the field. There’s a finite number of roster spots available and the team’s brass could choose to give one to someone who will have a higher chance of playing on game day.

Gardner Minshew II is one of the best backups in the NFL and is currently behind Lawrence on the depth chart. Will Jacksonville save another spot for C.J. Beathard? Unless the Jags traded Minshew, which is not likely at this point, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback may not play in 2021 and could be cut before the season starts.

Beathard signed a two-year contract worth $5 million in free agency with $2.5 million is guaranteed at signing. Releasing him before Week 1 would create a cap hit of $2.5 million in dead money. The Jaguars would then need to decide what they want to do. They can take on the cap hit and give Beathard’s roster spot to someone who can contribute or they can keep a third quarterback on the roster. Either choice has its own set of pros and cons. What will the Jags do?