4 Jaguars veterans who should be cut before 2022 free agency

No. 4 veteran the Jaguars should release – Brandon Linder, C.

Cap hit in 2022 – $10 million. Dead money if released – None. Total cap savings – $10 million.

There’s no doubt Brandon Linder is one of the best centers in the NFL and one of the Jaguars’ cornerstone players since being selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was voted team captain by his teammates last year and is the kind of veteran voice every locker room needs.

The only reason Linder doesn’t more attention from the national media — besides playing for the Jags — is all the time he hasn’t suited up because of injuries. The former Miami Hurricane has only participated in a full season once in his career and has missed 41 games over his eight-year career. In a game where availability is the most important ability, the veteran center hasn’t been very durable.

In fact, the Jags have had to lean on Tyler Shatley, the primary interior offensive line back, more than they should and has made as many starts as Linder in the last two seasons. Shatley is set to become a free agent but the team’s brass may be better off bringing him back, as they are one injury away from needing him once again.

On the other hand, the Jags need to decide what they will do with Linder. He’s entering the last year of his contract and the team would free up $10 million in cap space with no money if they release him. An alternative path is to find a compromise: Reduce his salary and fully guarantee it.