The Jacksonville Jaguars only signed one external free agent before the NFL draft, running back Chris Rodriguez. However, that doesn't mean the depth chart won't undergo several changes. See, the Jags expect several players to take on bigger roles. Similarly, they're counting on their rookie class to have an impact early on. This could, in turn, lead to an improvement in the win-loss column.
On the other hand, the roster changes could translate to fewer snaps or less playing time for a handful of players. With this in mind, here are four players facing a role squeeze next season.
DaVon Hamilton, Jaguars defensive tackle
DaVon Hamilton is one of the longest-tenured players in Jacksonville. Only punter Logan Cooke and Josh Hines-Allen have been with the Jaguars more time. That said, Ham could be gearing up for his last season in Duval.
A third-round pick in 2020, Hamilton is a stud against the run, but he doesn't offer much as a pass rusher. With Ruke Orhorhoro in the mix, Hamilton may leave the field on third downs. On top of that, the Jags drafted Alber Regis, his potential replacement.
With Orhorhoro and Regis expected to be part of the rotation at defensive tackle, Hamilton is on track to have a redulce role.
Jakobi Meyers, Jaguars wide receiver
Trevor Lawrence will deal with a "burden of choice" kind of situation next season, as he'll have no shortage of targets. Brian Thomas Jr. is trending toward bouncing back. Parker Washington is expected to have a bigger role next season, and Travis Hunter will still get snaps at receiver even though he'll play cornerback full-time.
Oh, and don't forget tight end Brenton Strange will also get his fair share of targets. This could relegate Jakobi Meyers to a secondary role. He won't take his foot off the gas pedal and will provide Lawrence a safety valve in the middle of the field. However, it's hard to picture the former North Carolina State Wolfpack racking up big numbers in 2025.
Eric Murray, Jaguars safety
Eric Murray was low-key a pretty good addition. Even though the veteran safety didn't generate lots of headlines, he did bring stability at the position. He was a Day 1 starter last year, and he remains at the top of the depth chart. That said, he could lose playing time to sophomore Caleb Ransaw and rookie Jalen Huskey.
The reason is simple: Murray is as consistent as they come, and he'll rarely give up big plays. But he also has trouble creating turnovers. Ransaw and Huskey have better ball skills. Perhaps they won't move ahead of Murray on the depth chart, but he could have a reduced role in 2026.
Jourdan Lewis, Jaguars cornerback
The Jaguars raised eyebrows in 2025 because they needed a corner who could play in the boundaries but instead brought in Jourdan Lewis, who had mostly lined up at nickel during his stint with the Dallas Cowboys. However, Lewis could play inside or outside and showcased that versatility in his first season with the Jags.
Lewis is now part of a crowded cornerback group, though, and may not get nearly as much playing time as he did in 2025. Travis Hunter and Montaric Brown will tentatively start in the boundaries, while Jarrian Jones flashed last year. With so many options, Lewis could take on a reserve/rotational role next season.
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