And just like that, the Jacksonville Jaguars are crawling their way up toward NFL relevance. Just one year after finishing 4-13, they won 13 games and seized the AFC South. On the other hand, the downside of becoming a prominent team is that the Jags will now have to deal with the extra weight of expectations. The good news is that their success in 2025 might be just the beginning of better things to come.
With head coach Liam Coen leading the way and a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, things are looking up in Duval. Moreover, general manager James Gladstone has built a well-rounded roster. When you add it all up, it's hard to see Jacksonville regressing next season, but the worst-case scenario shouldn't be outright disregarded. Because as impressive as the Jaguars were in 2025, this is a new year, and they'll have to do it all over again.
And on the off chance it all comes to a screeching halt next season, the Jags will need to revamp the roster in 2027, and these four players could be on their way out.
Patrick Mekari, Jaguars offensive guard
The Jaguars gave Patrick Mekari a three-year deal worth $37.5 million in 2025 because they wanted him to be a pillar on the offensive line. However, things didn't go as expected. During his stint with the Baltimore Ravens, the former Golden Cal Bear played all positions across the trenches but truly hit his stride when he settled at left guard. With Jacksonville, though, he moved to the right side.
The switch, along with injuries, prevented Mekari from playing at a high level last season. He'll get a chance to bounce back in 2026, but he may not be handed the starting job. And if once again falters, the veteran hog molly could get the boot next year.
Robert Hainsey, Jaguars center
When the Jaguars drafted Luke Fortner in 2022, they thought he would be a viable replacement for Brandon Linder, who hung up the cleats early that year. However, Fortner struggled, and by 2024, it was clear that he wasn't the answer at center, so the team's brass signed Robert Hainsey in 2025.
One of Hansey's appeals, apart from the fact that he had starting experience, is that he played for Liam Coen when he was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. Right off the bat, Hansey brought stability at center, but he's far from an All-Pro nod. This is the main reason he was benched in favor of Graham Norton during his last season with the Bucs
With sophomore Jonah Monheim lurking behind, don't be shocked if Hansey gets Wally Pipped once again
Eric Murray, Jaguars safety
When the Jaguars inked Eric Murray, safety was one of their biggest roster voids. At the time, his arrival didn't precisely create fireworks, as he had recorded just four interceptions in his nine seasons prior to landing in Duval. However, the former Minnesota Gopher brought stability at one of the starting spots in the defensive backfield in 2025.
Now, Murray is entering his second season with the Jags, and could be in danger of losing his job to sophomore Caleb Ransaw. Granted, Ransaw missed his rookie campaign and has yet to prove that he deserves a featured role.
That said, Murray had better watch his back, as he could tumble down the depth chart, especially if the front office adds another safety in this year's draft.
Foyesade Oluokun, Jaguars linebacker
Dating back to 2022, no Jaguars defender has been as consistent as Foyesade Oluokun has been on the football field. Furthermore, he's become a respected locker-room voice who won't hesitate to help his younger teammates. Simply put, Foye is the ultimate pro.
Throughout his stint with the Jags, Oloukun has been a tackling machine. Moreover, he's been behind several jaw-dropping plays. On the other hand, he's not that great in coverage, and it's hard to tell just how long he'll stick around in Jacksonville. He signed a three-year extension that runs through 2027.
If Jacksonville is in need of cap relief next year, Oluokun could be a prime cut candidate because releasing him would free up $8.4 million in space. Sure, he's a mainstay of the defense, but the team's brass hasn't been afraid to cut ties with prominent veterans (Christian Kirk, Evan Engram) to address the larger scale roster.
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