The Jacksonville Jaguars keep proving that they value their homegrown talent. Just a few days after extending long snapper Ross Matiscik a new deal, they gave tight end Brenton Strange a three-year deal that ensures he'll stay in Duval for the foreseeable future.
Strange's deal makes him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL, but it's a bargain at the same time. That said, the Jags have a finite amount of money to spend, and there's going to be a point at which they'll have to free up cap space to keep locking up other players eligible for new deals.
With this in mind, here are three players Jacksonville could eventually release to free up space.
Walker Little, Jaguars left tackle
Early in the offseason, Walker Little was at the center of trade rumors, but the Jaguars seemingly want to keep him around in 2026, and understandably so. While the former Stanford Cardinal was benched in 2025, he has previously fared well and has ample starting experience. More importantly, he could provide insurance if Cole Van Lanen, who's recovering from a knee injury, isn't at full strength come Week 1. 2027 could be a whole different deal.
Jacksonville could free up nearly $11 million in space if Little is either cut or traded next year. He could garner interest from clubs in need of help at left tackle, but the team's brass could outright release him. Sure, the 2021 second-round pick could be a valuable depth piece, but the Jags could find a suitable replacement in the 2027 draft.
Patrick Mekari, Jaguars right guard
It's fair to say that Patrick Mekari was underwhelming in his first season with the Jaguars. His switch to right guard may have been more challenging than originally thought. It didn't help matters that the former California Golden Bear suffered a back injury late in 2025. Perhaps he can turn the corner in 2026, but if he doesn't, rookie Emmanuel Pregnon and Wyatt Milum are lurking behind.
If Mekari were to lose his job in 2026, the Jags could release him next season and free up a bit over $13 million with $5 million in dead money. It certainly deserves a thought if the veteran hog molly once again underperforms.
Eric Murray, Jaguars safety
This could be a tricky one, especially when you take into account that head coach Liam Coen likes Eric Murray a lot. However, it shouldn't be ruled out. After all, the Jaguars are stacked at safety with Antonio Johnson, Jalen Huskey, Caleb Ransaw, and Rayuan Lane III also in the mix.
Johnson is coming off a breakout season and is now entering a contract year. If Jacksonville extended him, it would make sense to move on from Murray to pave the way for either Ransaw or Huskey. Releasing the veteran safety would create nearly $4 million in space.
Coversely, it would make sense to keep Murray around if Johnson leaves, as he would provide valuable leadership and experience to what would be a young safety room.
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