Opinions about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offseason moves may vary. You might not have liked the signing of cornerback Shaquill Griffin. Maybe you don’t agree with the team’s decision to apply the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson. One thing is sure though. The Jags refrained from taking a conservative approach and have given the roster a significant makeover over the last few months.
The team’s brass took advantage of the abundance of cap space and draft picks former general manager Dave Caldwell had previously hoarded. They added depth and a few playmakers in the draft. They then turn their attention to 2021’s draft, where they acquired building blocks that should be part of the organization’s long-term future, including a potential franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence.
This infusion of talent could lead to a logjam at certain positional groups. The Jaguars’ tight end room can still use some help but other units may have a surplus of players and some of them may not make the 53-man roster. In fact, there are some veteran newcomers that may never play a snap in Jacksonville.
Keep in mind that wide receivers Pharoh Cooper and Laquon Treadwell were going to have a hard time making the team. However, there are other players that signed with the Jaguars at the height of free agency that looked like good bets to be on the roster in 2021 but could be cut at any point before the regular season starts.
Without further ado, here are three veteran newcomers that may not be on the Jaguars roster by Week 1.
Veteran newcomer on Jaguars roster No.1 – Safety Rudy Ford
Safety was a clear need for the Jaguars earlier this year. Unlike the tight end room, the team’s brass made several upgrades in the offseason. First, they signed Rayshawn Jenkins and Rudy Ford in free agency. They later drafted Syracuse product Andre Cisco. Although the position is far from a strength, it is currently in better shape than it was at the end of the 2020 season.
Jenkins will probably start opposite veteran Jarrod Wilson in Week 1 but sophomore Daniel Thomas and Cisco could challenge the latter for the starting job. Also, it will be interesting to see how many safeties the Jaguars will carry into the regular season. Will it be five or six? Regardless of the number, Ford may have a hard job making the team.
Third-year safety Andrew Wingard saw his playing time on defense increase in 2020 and might not have reached his ceiling yet, so Jacksonville may want to keep him around. Ford signed a two-year contract worth $4.2 million with $600,000 guaranteed at signing. If the Jaguars released him in 2021, that guaranteed would become a dead cap hit.
The 2017 sixth-round pick has carved a niche on special teams over his four-year career but has never played more than six percent of the total snaps on defense in a season. Ford still has time to impress the coaching staff in training camp. Nevertheless, it’s not a sure thing he will be on the roster in Week 1.
Veteran newcomer on Jaguars roster No. 2 – Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett
The Jaguars had a plethora of wide receiver options earlier this year. Nevertheless, they still went on to sign Marvin Jones Jr., Jamal Agnew, and Phillip Dorsett II in free agency. They then took Jalen Camp in the sixth round of this year’s selection and signed Josh Imatorbhebhe as an undrafted free agent. They will join a crowded wide receiver corps and not all of them will be with the team by the time The Turk finishes his job.
Jones has a roster spot guaranteed. He will be in the starting lineup alongside DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. Agnew will mainly play on special teams and will handle return duties so he’s also a lock to make the team. On the other hand, sophomore Collin Johnson will compete for playing time and Camp could become the coaching staff’s newest developmental project. Finally, Imatorbhebhe is a candidate for the practice squad.
Dorsett could end up on the outside looking in. He may need to challenge Johnson to the number four wide receiver job and could be given the pink slip if the Jaguars believe Camp has more upside. Although Dorsett was a first-round draft pick, his NFL career has never really taken off. The Miami product has already reached his ceiling and is a backup at this point of his career. The Jags could release him before the season opener without incurring a dead cap hit. In fact, they could save $850,000.
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?