The Jacksonville Jaguars just waived cornerback Devon Marshall before the preseason finale. The undrafted rookie out of North Carolina State seemed like a dark horse to make the team early in the offseason. However, he ultimately didn't do enough to stand out.
Aside from releasing Marshall, the Jags also signed defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote. His odds of making the practice squad, let alone earning a roster spot, are slim. Nevertheless, he'll be given a chance to compete in the preseason finale.
Circling back to Marshall, he won't be the last player who'll get the boot before cutdown day. In fact, the following five could be on his way out.
5 Jaguars players who should be feeling the heat after releasing Devon Marshall
Kilian Zierer, offensive lineman
The Jaguars dealt with injuries on the offensive line in recent weeks but are getting much healthier ahead of the preseason finale. It helps that Cole Van Lanen is back from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Similarly, trading for Daniel Faalele gives Jacksonville immediate depth in the trenches.
On the other hand, it's clear that the offensive line depth chart is taking shape, and Kilian Zierer is on the outside looking in. John Shipley of Sports Illustrated revealed who practiced with the first and second teams on Day 17 of training camp. Zierer wasn't in.
Zierer fared well in the opener but gave up one sack and four total pressures on 55 snaps against the Carolina Panthers. It may be a matter of time before the Jags pull the plug on him.
Preston Hodge, cornerback
The Jaguars appear to be set at cornerback. Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Travis Hunter and Montaric Brown are virtually locks to make the team. Either Christian Braswell or Jabbar Muhammad will get the fifth roster spot.
Unless Jacksonville carries six cornerbacks in 2026, which doesn't seem likely right now, Preston Hodge and Carrie Ballentine will also get the boot.
Ballentine has struggled in the preseason, so that's not necessarily surprising. On the other hand, Hodge flashed in the offseason program but hasn't been able to stand out in training camp or the preseason. The silver lining is that the former Colorado Buffalo could land on the practice squad.
Brady Boyd, wide receiver
Wide receiver is a strength for the Jaguars. That means someone like undrafted rookie Trebor Pena will be a victim of the numbers game in spite of his strong showing in the preseason. Then again, Pena and Michael Wortham could land on the practice squad. The same can't be said about Brady Boyd.
In Week 2 of the preseason, Boyd was just targed one and didn't catch a pass. He's played a total of 43 snaps in two bouts but hasn't done enough to make him think he'll stick around with the Jaguars.
Jalen Hunt, defensive tackle
The Jaguars already waived Quintin Bohanna, but he won't be the only defensive tackle who could get his walking papers after the preseason finale. Jalen Hunt has played 58 defensive snaps in two preseason games, and all he has to account for is one total tackle.
Coupled with the arrival of Tommy Akingbesote, it's hard to see Jalen Hunter staying in Duval next season.
Amari Burney, linebacker
The Jaguars signed Amari Burney after Jack Kiser suffered an injury that sidelined him early in training camp. He should eventually be back, but the Jags signed Amari Burney during his absence.
Burney has played in two preseason games and has gotten ample playing time. However, he hasn't been able to stand out, while fellow linebacker Jahlani Tavae has made a strong impression and could sneak onto the 53-man roster.
When you factor in that the Jags have a crowded linebacker corps, it's hard to see a path in which Burney makes the team.
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