Turnover is inevitable in the NFL due to the salary cap, which limits a team's ability to retain its players. Then again, the Jacksonville Jaguars have undergone more changes than most clubs the past few years. That's probably because, outside of the 2022 season, they haven't been very good.
Players who were once starters for the Jags two or three years ago went on to take on diminished roles more recently. And while some have managed to carve a niche as reserves, others have had trouble finding work. These five in particular come to mind.
Taven Bryan, defensive tackle
Once seen as an heir apparent for Malik Jackson, Taven Bryan had an underwhelming stint with the Jaguars. Drafted 29th overall in 2018, the former Florida Gator appeared in 64 games for Jacksonville but managed to rack up just a measly 5.5. sacks. His best moment wearing the Black & Teal came against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 of the 2021 season. His two sacks played a massive role in helping the Jags pull off a 9-6 upset.
In the end, though, that was the only time Bryan made an impact, so he walked in free agency in 2022. He spent a season with the Cleveland Brownd and later signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. He hit the open market in early March but hasn't generated much interest. At this stage of his career, he's not much more than a journeyman defensive tackle.
C.J. Henderson, cornerback
The ninth overall pick in 2020, C.J. Henderson flashed early as a rookie, but a groin injury ended up cutting his first season in the NFL short. Then, he spent time away from the team the following season and was traded to the Carolina Panthers just three weeks into the 2021 season.
Henderson had a bit more success in Carolina but not nearly enough to become part of their long-term plans. He bolted for the Houston Texans in 2024 but was released just a few months later. The former Florida Gator then signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, getting promoted to the active roster not long after. However, he didn't set foot on the field and finished the season on Injured Reserve.
Now, Hederson is in search of his fourth NFL team.
DJ Chark Jr., wide receiver
Fresh off a Pro Bowl selection, DJ Chark Jr. looked like an ascending player who was just scratching the surface of his talent in 2020. But then, the injury bug struck the next two seasons, and what was once a promising career came to a hault. That's why the Jags didn't make an attempt to re-sign the former LSU Tiger in 2022.
Because of his past production, Chark wasted no time joining the Detroit Lions, but he once again was held back by injuries. The next stop was the Carolina Panthers, where he once again was a non-factor.
Just last season, Chark signed with the Los Angeles Chargers but didn't see meaningful time. He became a free agent in March and has yet to find a new team. Meanwhile, fellow teammate Laviska Shenault Jr. just joined the Buffalo Bills.
That doesn't bode well for Chark's prospects of quickly finding a job.
Brandon Scherff, offensive guard
The Jaguars went on a spending spree in 2022. Some of their signings panned out, but most of them came under scrutiny for a wide array of reasons. When it came to Brandon Scherff, the Jags were questioned for their decision to give a three-year, $49.5 million contract to a guard who had missed a combined 24 games in three years and hadn't started a full season since 2016.
Surprisingly, Scheff managed to stay healthy and play 51 consecutive games for the Jags. However, he wasn't nearly as dominant as he was during his seven-year stint with the Washington Commanders. Now 33, the former Iowa Hawkeye has yet to latch onto a team after becoming a free agent. Then again, he still can play, and teams in need of help at offensive guard could give him a call. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals would be a logical landing spot.
Tre Herndon, cornerback
After going undrafted in 2018, Tre Herndon signed with the Jags and managed to make the 53-man roster as a rookie. He progressively saw his workload increase and started several games between 2019 and 2020. Expected to man the slot in 2021, the Vanderbilt product suffered an MCL injury that forced him to miss games that year. But even when he returned, he wasn't 100 percent.
Nevertheless, Jacksonville brought Herndon back, first in 2022 and later in 2023. On the other hand, he was a pretty good backup who wasn't good enough to be a full-time starter. It showed when he was cut just months after signing with the New York Giants last year.
Although Herndon managed to land with the New Orleans Saints, he didn't see much action outside of one game. He could still provide depth to needs who need it but probably won't be a starter again.
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