4 Jaguars veterans who might not survive final round of roster cuts

No. 2 Jaguars veteran who might get booted: Chris Manhertz, TE

It took the Jaguars several tries to get the tight end position somewhat right last year. Even though it was a need, the team’s brass didn’t give it the priority it needed. Back in free agency, they signed Chris Manhertz, who mainly excels as a blocker but doesn’t offer in the passing game.

The Canisius product reached the end zone against the Houston Texans in Week 1 but didn’t do much of note in the remainder of the season. He ended up playing 36 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and catching six receptions for 71 yards. Again, the Jaguars brought him to block on short-yardage and red-zone situations, so it’s hard to fault Manhertz for his limited role last year.

Manhertz has had a productive training camp and even had a touchdown reception in the Jags’ joint practices with the Falcons. Here’s a video of the aforementioned touchdown, via Jamal St. Cyr of New4JAX.

Evan Engram and Dan Arnold will get a big workload in 2022, so Manhertz will have to compete with sophomore Luke Ferrell for playing time. Moreover, he’s set to make $4.025 million this upcoming season but releasing him would free up $1.9 million in cap space with $2.125 million in dead cap. If the Jags want some breathing room, they could move on from Manhertz.

Manhertz’s seems safe right now, as the Jags will likely keep four tight ends. However, he could be a roster casualty if they need a spot or want to create cap space.