The Jacksonville Jaguars sat out free agency in part because they wanted to get their salary cap in shape. On top of that, they're focused on re-signing their players who are entering contract years. The team's brass already started with Travon Walker, giving him a four-year deal worth $110 million.
That said, the Jags can't keep everyone. There's only so much money to go around, and some of their players could command top-market money. The following six, in particular, currently face questions about their future in Jacksonville.
Parker Washington, Jaguars wide receiver
After the Jaguars extended Travon Walker, it seemed like locking up Parker Washington was going to be relatively easy to pull off. However, his stock has soared after the Christian Watson extension. Suddenly, there's a chance Washington could hit the open market in 2027.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion is coming off a season in which he reeled in 58 receptions for 857 yards with five touchdowns. That's better than other receivers who just got paid. Sure, there's still plenty of time to keep him around, and they sure want to keep him around.
However, Jacksonville probably won't want to overpay Washington. For the time being, though, an annual average of $20 million like the one Jakobi Meyers got seems like a feasible outcome.
DaVon Hamillton, Jaguars defensive tackle
DaVon Hamilton has been the most productive player from the Jaguars' 2020 draft class. While he won't make the Pro Bowl anytime soon, he's a mainstay of the defense and one big reason Jacksonville excelled at stuffing the run last year.
Having said that, Ham could be entering his last season in Duval. The Jags just drafted Albert Regis and also traded for Ruke Orhorhoro. They could keep bolstering the defensive line next year.
If Hamilton returns, he probably won't get a three-year deal worth $34.5 million like the one he got in 2023.
Brenton Strange, Jaguars tight end
The Jaguars drafted Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol. Both of them have flashed in free agency, but Brenton Strange remains at the top of the depth chart, and understandably so. His receiving stats don't pop off the stat sheet, but he's a heck of a pass-catcher. Couple that with the fact that he's an outstanding blocker, and it's easy to see why Jacksonville wants to keep him around.
There haven't been any contract updates, but Strange should still get a pretty good deal, one that makes him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
Antonio Johnson, Jaguars safety
Of all the players who could leave Jacksonville next year, Antonio Johnson may have the highest odds. He was the highest-graded safety last year and should have another banner season in 2026. However, fellow safety Derwin James just signed a three-year, $76.5 million contract, and Johnson could be looking for a similar amount if he comes through.
But leaving aside his projected salary, the Jaguars may already have Johnson's potential replacements in place, with Jalen Huskey and Caleb Ransaw biding their time.
Ezra Cleveland, Jaguars offensive guard
The Jaguars traded for Ezra Cleveland in 2023 because they needed reinforcements at left guard. However, injuries held him back in his first two seasons in Jacksonville. It wasn't until last year that the former Boise State Bronco put it all together.
Even with Emmanuel Pregnon and Waytt Milum lurking around, Ezra Cleveland seems to be entrenched at left guard. However, he's entering a contract year, and precisely because the Jags already have a pair of potential replacements, he may walk in free agency.
Arik Armstead, Jaguars defensive tackle
Throughout the offseason, Arik Armstead has been dubbed a potential cap casualty. However, it seems like the Jaguars will keep him around next season. This makes sense when you take into account that he's their best defensive tackle, and they're better off holding onto him until they find a suitable replacement.
2027 will be a different story, though, and the Jags will have options to cut ties with him without creating a roster void.
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