5 Jacksonville Jaguars who won’t be around after the 2022 season
The Jacksonville Jaguars had plenty of cap room the last two offseasons and they used it to revamp their roster. They will continue to make changes next year but they won’t have money as much money. In fact, they’re set to be $18 million next year above their spending limit.
The Jags will find a way to get out of the red in 2023 but they won’t probably make as many splash signings as they did in this year’s free agency. Similarly, they won’t be able to keep some of the players who are slated to hit the open market, including these five.
No. 5 Jaguars player who won’t be around in 2023: Rudy Ford, S
Before signing with the Jaguars last offseason, safety Rudy Ford was mostly relegated to special teams. In fact, that’s the role he played early in the 2021 season but an MCL injury to cornerback Tre Herndon forced the coaching staff to get creative and think outside the box. So what did they do? They moved Ford to nickel and he did a solid job even though he had no previous experience at the position.
A sixth-round selection by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, the former Auburn Tiger appeared in 15 games with four starts last year. Prior to 2021, he had played 41 outings and made two starts. Moreover, Ford registered his first career interception as a member of the Jaguars. However, he will most likely step back into a reserve role in 2022.
The Jaguars signed Darious Williams in free agency and he will tentatively start in the slot. Also, the team brought back Herndon on a one-year deal, and he will likely be the top backup cornerback. Similarly, the Jaguars’ safety room is stacked. Andre Cisco will most likely get the starting spot next to Rayshawn Jenkins, leaving Andrew Wingard as the top backup.
Ford is a solid special teams player that can step into the starting lineup in needed. But the Jags might prioritize addressing other positions next offseason and might let the safety walk away in fre agency.