5 biggest losers from Jaguars free-agency shopping spree

Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars with protective masks ​in TIAA Bank Field (Imagn Image photo pool)
Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars with protective masks ​in TIAA Bank Field (Imagn Image photo pool) /
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Defensive back Rudy Ford (5) of the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

After years of hoarding cap space and making bargain signings, the Jacksonville Jaguars was one of the most active NFL clubs in this year’s free agency, adding several players that should go on to get key roles in 2022.

Although the moves the Jaguars made will benefit a handful of players and coaches, they will have a negative impact on others. In particular, here are four players, and a position coach will be affected by the moves the team’s brass have made over the last two weeks.

No. 1 Jaguars biggest loser in free agency – DB Rudy Ford.

Tre Herdon was supposed to be Jaguars’ nickel. cornerback last season but he suffered an MCL injury in the preseason and was never fully healthy. When the coaching staff realized they needed someone to take his place in the lineup, they moved safety Rudy Ford to the slot.

Ford went on to thrive in his new position, registering his first career interception against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. He remained in the slot the remainder of the season and fared well. However, he will now have to compete for playing time after the Jags’ brought back Tre Herndon and signed Darious Williams in free agency.

In fact, there’s a chance Ford will not even be on the team in Week 1. Although he still has a year left on the contract he signed last offseason, releasing him would free up $2 million in cap space with $300,000 in dead money, which makes him a prime candidate to be released.