4 Jaguars veterans who should be cut before 2022 free agency

Once the Jacksonville Jaguars fill their head coaching vacancy, they will need to turn their attention to upgrading a roster that is in need of an infusion of talent. While the Jags’ have a few building blocks, they will need more playmakers if they want to win more than three games, their 2021 total.

Fortunately for the Jaguars, they will have more than enough resources to make some meaningful moves this offseason. Besides holding the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, they will have around $60 million in cap space (give or take), per Over The Cap. While that is more than enough to make a few splash signings in free agency, the front office can release a few veteran players to get even more space.

Here are four veterans the Jags can release before the 2022 free agency period starts.

No. 1 veteran the Jaguars should release – Chris Manhertz, TE.

Cap hit in 2022 – $4.025 million. Dead money if released – $2.125 million. Total cap savings – $1.9 million.

Tight end was one of the Jaguars’ biggest needs last offseason, so it wasn’t shocking to see them pour so many resources into the position. One of their additions was Chris Manhertz, who signed a two-year, $6.65 million contract last offseason.

Players are worth what teams are willing to fork over for them but you could make a strong case the Jags overpaid for Manhertz’s services. The Canisius product carved a niche as a blocking specialist but doesn’t add much to the passing game. Last season, he appeared in all 17 games with 10 starts and hauled in six receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise as he had caught a total of 12 passes the previous five years. Expecting him to contribute in the passing game might have been too much.

If the Jaguars don’t re-sign James O’Shaughnessy, they may opt to keep Manhertz around but as the main backup behind Dan Arnold. However, they could also release him and open up almost $2 million in cap space, which could come in handy if they bring in another tight end like Dalton Schultz in free agency.