5 Jacksonville Jaguars potential salary-cap casualties in 2023

No. 1 Jaguars potential salary-cap causality: Shaquill Griffin, CB

Dead cap figure – $4 million

Potential cap savings – $13.5 million

Here’s another player from the Jaguars’ 2021 free-agent class. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin quickly became a locker room leader and had a significant impact on and off the field. Although the former UCF Knight finished the year without an interception, he was often tasked with covering the opponent’s top receiver and did a good job for the most part.

In the midst of a taxing season, Griffin didn’t shy away from talking to the media and did a good job of holding himself and his teammates accountable. He acknowledged earlier this year that he needs to work on coming down with more interceptions in 2023, something he should be able to achieve under defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell.

Despite the fact that fellow cornerback Tyson Campbell led the Jags with two interceptions last season and might have not reached his ceiling yet, Griffin will most likely be named captain for the second consecutive year. However, if Jacksonville faces a serious cap crunch next offseason, the veteran could become a casualty. Releasing him would create $13 million in cap space with a dead cap hit of $4 million.

The fact that cornerback is one of the Jaguars’ deepest position groups won’t make things any easier. Sure, rookies Montaric Brown and Gregory Junior won’t unseat Griffin but the Jaguars gave Darious Williams a three-year contract worth $30 million this offseason and also have Campbell on the roster. Moving on from Griffin wouldn’t be a popular move but it may be necessary if the top brass is in need of some breathing room. Then again, the Jags could also restructure Griffin’s contract or work out an extension next year to lessen his cap hit.