Watching the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the trenches in Super Bowl 59, the Jacksonville Jaguars are aware that they must reinforce their offensive line. They'll have several appealing options in both free agency and the draft. And the Cincinnati Bengals just added one to the mix.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Cincy is releasing veteran guard Alex Cappa ahead of free agency. The Bengals also announced the move.
Bengals have released veteran G Alex Cappa.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025
Cappa was entering the last year of a contract he signed with the Bengals in 2022. He was a third-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018. Releasing him gave Cincinnati $8 million in cap space with $2.25 million in dead money. Based on how he played last season, it looks like the move was performance-related.
In 2024, Cappa gave up eight sacks and 51 total pressures, both of them career worsts. Before last season, he had surrendered more than four sacks just once. On the other hand, he's proven to be quite durable, missing just one game the past four seasons.
Then again, injuries have probably taken a toll on Cappa. He was carted off the field in January 2023 after suffering an ankle injury and hurt his hand last season. Still, he gives the Jaguars yet another option to bolster their offensive line this offseason.
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Why signing Alex Cappa makes sense for the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars know that they must make upgrades to their offensive line if they want to establish the run and protect Trevor Lawrence. Working in their favor is that this is a great year to replenish the unit in the draft. That said, there will also be several options available in the open market.
Trey Smith probably isn't in the mix after getting the non-exclusive franchise tag from the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Jags could go after James Daniels or Mekhi Becton. On the other hand, the front office could also sign a couple of bargain free agents, such as Alex Cappa.
The Humbolt State product is coming off an underwhelming season, so his stock is probably lower than he would like. He'll probably get a handful offers, but shouldn't expect to get top-market compensation. The Jaguars could sign him to a one-year, prove-it deal and give him a chance to bounce back.
A contract with minimal guarantees would make sense. The coaching staff could evaluate Kappa in the offseason. If he's unable to get back on track, they could simply move on from him with minimal risk. Of course, that shouldn't deter the team's brass from adding a couple of offensive linemen in the draft.
After all, the Jags need more than just one interior lineman. They could lock up Cappa and still add a pair of bigs in Rounds 3 and 4 of the draft. They could then compete for a starting job or a roster spot.
The bottom line is that signing Alex Cappa won't turn the Jacksonville Jaguars into contenders but would most definitely add much-needed depth to the interior offensive line. When you take into account that they won't have to break the bank, it looks like a low-risk, high-reward move.