Every offseason brings new faces to the roster, and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, 2025 has been no exception. If anything, the number of one-year deals skyrocketed with the fresh leadership of general manager James "I've got rocks" Gladstone, first-year head coach Liam Coen, and executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli.
Some of these one-year contracts are "prove it" deals, and Jaguars brass is surely hoping to retain them for the long run. Others were stopgaps to fill holes in the roster until more permanent solutions could be drafted or signed. Still others find themselves in a unique position: play too well, and you'll demand a new contract that Jacksonville might not be able to dish out.
Jaguars linebacker Dennis Gardeck
Eight-year veteran Dennis Gardeck finds himself in a somewhat stacked linebacker room. Yale graduate Foyesade Oluokun is the clear leader, though Devin Lloyd has played better than some give him credit for. I expect him to return with the Jags next season, but he's going to have to earn it.
With rookie Jack Kiser standing out in camp and the preseason, and veterans Ventrell Miller and Yasir Abdullah still on their rookie contracts, there might not be any room left for Gardeck, regardless of how well he may or may not play.
Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown
Wide receiver Dyami Brown is poised to have a stellar year. While he seemed to only flash in the early part of the 2024 season, he finished strong, averaging over 34 yards per game in the last four games of the season. Not mind-blowing stats, but it demonstrates consistency on a Washington Commanders team that featured talent like wide receiver Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
But now, Brown finds himself in a similar situation. Second-year veteran Brian Thomas Jr. is the clear No. 1 on the Jaguars roster. Rookie and Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter looks ready to mimic Thomas' year one success, and Parker Washington continues to earn praise from the coaching staff and fellow teammates, particularly quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
If the Jaguars' receiving room plays up to potential, Brown—the only who's contract will expire after this season—might not be here regardless of how well he performs.
Related: Way too-early predictions: 3 prominent Jaguars who won’t return in 2026
Jaguars defensive linemen Austin Johnson & Emmanuel Ogbah
The Jaguars' defensive line isn't exactly stacked. Instead, it finds itself filled with high-paid veterans like Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, as well as young talent such as Danny Striggow, B.J. Green II, and Maason Smith. Come next offseason, keeping inexpensive youth is an easy decision, and cutting the veterans may be too costly.
This situation makes it hard for one-year contract holders, such as defensive linemen Austin Johnson and Emmanuel Ogbah. There may be too many names on the roster next year to warrant their return.
Related: Micah Parsons saga just showed Jaguars how not to handle Travon Walker negotiations
Final thoughts
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a mix of inexpensive youth and high-paid veterans all over their roster. I expect this unique situation to force their hand in keeping certain players and letting others go. Unfortunately for these one-and-done contracts, that might mean a job hunt next year.