The Jacksonville Jaguars had to make several decisions when they put together their initial 53-man roster. Having said that, they'll keep making tweaks in the upcoming days, and players who got the nod could eventually be gone.
That includes fringe players who could be replaced once the Jags look for upgrades on the waiver wire. Similarly, a handful of players that may not be part of Jacksonville's plans beyond 2025 could also land on the trade block.
With that in mind, here are five notable players who could get the nod in the following weeks.
Davon Hamilton, Jaguars defensive tackle
A third-round pick in 2020, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton was pressed into the starting lineup at the midpoint of his rookie season. He progressively got better and got a three-year extension in 2023. However, things have gone downhill for him since then.
The former Ohio State Buckeye missed a good chunk of the 2023 season with a non-football injury and a subsequent infection. And he wasn't himself when he got back in the fold. Expected to bounce back in 2024, Hamilton was unremarkable and only got playing time because the Jags didn't have any better alternatives.
Fast forward to 2025, and Hamilton is now the backup behind Arik Armstead and Maason Smith. Couple that with the arrival of Khalen Sanders via trade, and Ham could garner interest from teams who need to beef up their defensive trenches.
Dawuane Smooth, Jaguars defensive end
Defensive end Dawuane Smoot became a fan favorite because he's been one of the longest tenured players in Jacksonville. Granted, he played for the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but returned in the offseason, and it felt like he never felt.
Anyway, Smoot has always been a fine notable piece, and that's the role that he will have behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. That said, undrafted rookie Danny Striggow and BJ Green have made a strong impression, and if they see an uptick in playing time, they could make Smoot expendable.
Darnell Savage, Jaguars safety
The Jaguars were able to keep the trio of Antonio Johnson, Darnell Savage, and Andrew Wingard because they placed Caleb Ransaw on Injured Reserve, effectively ending his rookie campaign before it started. However, they still need to figure out who'll start next to Eric Murray.
Antonio Johnson may make the most sense because he's got the most upside of the three. On the other hand, Darnell Savage has starting experience, and teams that are looking for a dependable starter at safety could get in touch with the Jags and inquire about him.
Devin Lloyd, Jaguars linebacker
Although the Jags didn't pick up Devin Lloyd's fifth-year option on his rookie deal, it looked like he was going to be the starter next to Foyesade Oluokun. But that's not the case based on the initial 53-man roster, where the former Utah Ute is listed as "other players" behind Oluokun and Ventrell Miller. This effectively makes him the No. 3 linebacker on the depth chart.
Lloyd is a trumper against the run but struggles in coverage. Nevertheless, he could be a solid starting option for teams in need of linebacker help, so don't be surprised if the Jags get calls about the 2022 first-round pick.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars running back
The Jaguars kept Travis Etienne on their 53-man roster despite the fact that he's been the subject of trade rumors since the end of the 2024 season. Then again, this has always been a fluid situation, and nobody would bat an eye if teams inquire about the former Clemson Tiger. After all, he's entering a contract year, and Jacksonville has a pair of capable starters in Tank Bigsby and Bhayshul Tuten.
With LeQuint Allen in the mix and rookie Ja'Quinden Jackson potentially landing in the practice squad, the Jags can afford to part ways with Etienne before the 2025 trade deadline.