As the NFL regular season nears, every team in the league will begin paring down its roster. It's that time of the year when late-round picks and aging (and often overpriced) veterans are all aware that the next game or practice could be their last. It makes for fierce competition in the August heat. When it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars, there are a handful of players on the roster who won't make it to week 1 of the season.
As first-year head coach Liam Coen begins to assemble his squad, there could be some surprisingly familiar names who won't be wearing the teal and black in 2025.
Many fans may be shocked by some of the names who could possibly get the short haircut, particularly if the team has a poor showing against the New Orleans Saints this week. High-dollar talent must produce high-level results, and some of the Jags vets may not answer the bell.
The Jaguars wasted no time cutting ties with wide receiver Christian Kirk, tight end Evan Engram, and cornerback Ronald Darby. So, the process of shrinking the roster has already begun, but there are a few names who could be out the door after this week's action.
Austin Trammell, Jaguars wide receiver
While it's not fair to call Trammell a journeyman wide receiver, he's certainly been well-traveled in the past few years. The former Rice Owl has played for three teams after starting his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons. Since then, he's only managed eight catches for 82 yards total in stints with both the Dirty Birds and Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams.
With a talented receiving corps headed by Brian Thomas Jr. and all-world rookie Travis Hunter, this is simply a matter of talent and numbers, as Trenton Irwin and Joshua Cephus are trending toward being receivers No. 5 and 6 on the depth chart. Unless Trammell comes up with some spectacular plays and draws some attention, his best hope is likely a spot on the Jaguars' practice squad.
Dawuane Smoot, Jaguars defensive end
A standout at the University of Illinois, Dawuane Smoot was originally taken in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Jaguars, before departing for the Buffalo Bills. He re-signed during the offseason, but it seems as if Jacksonville is taking a flyer on one of their former players.
At 30 years of age and with a history of recent injuries, Smoot has a lot to prove to make the roster, despite his extensive experience. He suffered an Achilles injury in 2022, and he hasn't quite been the same player since.
With an abundance of linemen already on the roster and a handful of higher-profile 'street free agents' who will be available soon, Smoot isn't a slam dunk to make the team. He's listed at number two on the depth chart currently, but if he gets outplayed by young Danny Striggow, the Jags may go with the less expensive option of the two.
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Either Seth Henigan or John Wolford, Jaguars quarterbacks
While the third-string quarterback is not the most talked-about spot on an NFL roster, the battle between 29-year-old veteran John Wolford and undrafted rookie Seth Henigan could get a lot of airtime this week. Both QBs are expected to play extensively, and it will be a chance for the youngster to usurp his more experienced teammate.
While most football experts would say that a team like the Jags, who have Trevor Lawrence as their starter and a very capable Nick Mullens as his backup, would be better served to keep the more experienced emergency arm. But Henigan has a nice set of skills that he flashed during his time under center for Memphis University. So, he makes an intriguing long-term, 'project player'.
The smart money is on Henigan - in more ways than one. If he can outplay Wolford (who has one touchdown and five interceptions in his career), he presents a cheaper option in the third slot. And while he may never be a starter in the NFL, Henigan is younger, more athletic, and plays with poise. He could very well make Wolford expendable.
It's also worth noting that the Jags may only keep two quarterbacks in 2025, and if that's the case, who ever looks better may end up in the practice squad.