5 Jacksonville Jaguars players and coaches who won't return in 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a scrappy win over the Tennessee Titans. While they should be thrilled to get their win of the season, the truth is that they don't have much left to play the remainder of the season after being eliminated from playoff contention and shutting down Trevor Lawrence for the year.

Sure, winning their first game dating back to October is encouraging, but it should not deter them from making changes to both the coaching staff and roster in the offseason. With that in mind, here are five players and coaches who won't be back in 2025.

Andre Cisco, safety

Having registered 15 passes defensed and seven interceptions the past two years, Andre Cisco was seen as a breakout candidate in 2024. However, he's struggled to put it all together and has instead regressed. Things have gotten so bad that he was benched in favor of Antonio Johnson in Week 14. To his credit, the former Syracuse Orangeman broke up a pass in the red zone and had another in the game, but he's not made nearly enough plays this season to warrant a contract extension.

For the season, Cisco has one interception and six passes defensed, not the kind of production that screams breakout candidate. Add the fact that the Jaguars have already signed other members of their 2021 draft class, such as Trevor Lawrence, Walker Little, and Tyson Campbell, and it's hard to picture the fourth-year safety leaving in 2025.

Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator

Credit where credit is due. The Jaguars gave up just six points in Week 14, but that has mainly to do with the quality of the offense they faced. But even if you put aside the fact that Jacksonville stymied the Titans, their defense has left much to be desired throughout the year.

When the Jaguars hired Ryan Nielsen to lead their defense, he talked about putting an emphasis on fundamentals and technique. 14 weeks into the season, it's fair to say that his approach isn't working. While several players have enjoyed individual success, the Jacksonville defense has struggled as a whole and is among the worst in the league in most meaningful categories.

All things considered, Nielsen's scheme and philosophy haven't been a fit with the Jags. Whether Doug Pederson stays or not, it's hard to see the mustachioed defensive coordinator returning in 2025.

Mac Jones, quarterback

The Jaguars traded for Mac Jones earlier this year to add insurance to their quarterback room in case Trevor Lawrence missed time. A the time, the move looked like a bargain because they acquired the former Alabama standout from the New England Patriots for only a sixth-round pick. However, it looks like Jacksonville got bamboozled in retrospect.

Jones has gotten significant playing time in four games and started three games for the Jaguars this season. So far, his production hasn't been what the team expected. Dating back to his stint with the Pats, the Jacksonville native has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdowns.

Based on how he's played this season, Jones won't return to the Jaguars in 2025.

Doug Pederson, head coach

All things considered, Doug Pederson deserves credit for keeping the team focused. Earlier this season, it was reported that he had lost the locker, but players keep showing up week in and week out. That they can't seal the deal and win close games is a whole different issue. Then again, the head coach deserves plenty of criticism for not being able to close.

Jacksonville has no shortage of talent, so you could make the case that the close losses come down to coaching. Since the buck stops with Pederson, he's to blame for the team's struggles. When you take into account that they've won a measly just four games dating back to Week 13, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who thinks the Jaguars should keep Pederson beyond 2024.

Christian Kirk, wide receiver

The Jaguars are poised to have ample cap room in 2025 despite the fact that they've prioritized locking up their prominent players. That said, they could still create more space if they cut ties with a handful of players next offseason. Christian Kirk is among their most notable release candidates.

Already, the team tried to trade Kirk to the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, but the deal fell apart when he suffered a collarbone injury. The former Texas A&M product has been one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets since Jacksonville signed him in 2022 but Parker Washington is ready to step in his place.

Add the fact that release Kirk will create $10.7 million next year, and he's a good bet to leave.

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