The Jacksonville Jaguars will need to make upgrades to their roster in the offseason if they want to bounce back in 2025. That means addressing key needs, but also moving on from players who have been underwhelming to pave the way for additions in free agency and the draft.
Some of these players the Jaguars will let go are set to become free agents. Others will be cap casualties. Either way, fans won't probably miss the following five if they don't return in 2025.
CJ Beathard, quarterback
It's easy to forget that CJ Beathard was still around last year. After all, he was released with an injury settlement before the regular season and took a backseat after the team's brass traded for Mac Jones in the offseason. Either way, Beathard was brought back when Trevor Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury.
While Beathard was still on the roster in 2024, he didn't do much of note. Jones took the majority of snaps when Lawrence was out.
Granted, Jones probably won't be back either next season, but it's hard to see Beathard sticking around. He originally signed with the Jags in 2021 but didn't get much playing time behind No. 16. When he did, the former Iowa Hawkeye was unremarkable. If anything the front office should take advantage of the opportunity and upgrade the backup quarterback position in either free agency or the draft.
Ronald Darby, cornerback
The Jaguars released cornerback Darious Williams last offseason in a cap-saving move and signed the cheaper Ronald Darby to take his place opposite Tyson Campbell.
On paper, the idea made sense as Darby had been a reliable player in his previous stops. However, the plan doesn't look in retrospect. The former Florida State Seminole struggled when he was targeted and was eventually benched in favor of reserve Montaric Brown, who wasn't much better but has more upside at this stage of his career.
Cornerback is now one of the top needs for the Jaguars, and nobody would bat an eye if they move on from Darby to make room for whoever they bring to start opposite Campbell.
Devin Duvernay, return specialist
The Jaguars signed Devin Duvernay last year to provide a spark to the return game. Given that he made two Pro Bowls as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, it was a reasonable expectation. Unfortunately, he didn't have much of an impact. Heck, Parker Washington made more plays when he was given a chance to contribute on special teams.
Compounding the issue is that Duvernay was a non-factor on offense, registering a measly 11 receptions for 79 yards with no touchdowns. Looking back, he might not been a great fit, but the Jags can free up a bit of cap space without incurring much dead money if they release him in the offseason.
Jeremiah Ledbetter, defensive lineman
Jeremiah Ledbetter was a mainstay of the Jaguars' defensive line rotation the past three years. His versatility to line up at different spots across the line of scrimmage came in handy especially when DaVon Hamilton missed significant time in 2023. On the other hand, the Arkansas product didn't have much of an impact.
Sure, Ledbetter was a solid rotational piece but not much else. If anything, the Jaguars kept him around because 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Lacy hasn't been able to hit his stride. However, he may be expendable after Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson showed promise last season.
Andre Cisco, safety
After spending most of his rookie season on the sidelines, Andre Cisco showcased the talent that made him a fixture of the Orangemen secondary at Syracuse. Once he seized a starting job, he went on to make plays. In 2021-2022, he had a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed. Not surprisingly, the New York, Queens native was seen as a breakout candidate last year. But it wasn't bound to happen.
Cisco struggled in coverage, and his tackling left much to be desired. You could argue that some of that had to do with the inadequate coaching the defense was getting, but it was still puzzling to see him regress on a contract year. Ironically, Cisco called his teammates for quitting but he didn't appear to give a full effort either.
Based on how things played out in 2025, Cisco should have a 50/50 chance of returning. He could get a fresh start after Liam Coen's arrival but he may want to test the market and bet on himself. Either way, he turned off several fans with how he handled last year.