![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Davon Hamilton (52) warms up before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_871,y_182,w_4403,h_2476/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/55/01m6ed5h110zypehpbhd.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Davon Hamilton (52) warms up before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Indianapolis Colts 42-7, but the victory didn't come without a cost. DaVon Hamilton suffered what appeared to be, at the time, a knee injury early in the game and was carted off the field. The Jags now know just how serious it was.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Hamilton suffered a torn quad, adding that he'll undergo further tests but is expected to be out the remainder of the year. Short-term, Ham's absence will leave a massive void on the interior defensive line.
Jacksonville will need the duo of Ruke Orhorhoro and Matt Dickerson to step up. Similarly, Arik Armstead will be tasked with helping fill the void left by Hamilton's injury. Long-term, the injury could cast doubt on his future in Duval.
Why DaVon Hamilton is so important to the Jaguars
The Jaguars could trade or help to soften the blow of DaVon Hamilton's absence. Moro Ojomo and Jalen Carter may be the best options if they're willing to pay a premium for either one. On the other hand, the team's brass will also have to decide whether they'll re-sign Hamilton. He's in the final year of a three-year, $34.5 million extension he signed in 2023.
On paper, giving the former Ohio State Buckeye is a no-brainer since he's a huge reason Jacksonville has the top-ranked run defense in the league. On the other hand, the Jags could have limited cap space to work with in 2027. When you factor in that players like wide receiver Parker Washington, lineabacker Ventrell Miller, and safety Antonio Johnson are also in line for a contract, bringing in Hamilton may not be as easy as it sounds.
Another thing that could complicate a deal is Hamilton's recovery timeline. If he has to miss time in the offseason, Jacksonville may want to make sure he's back at full strength before handing out a deal.
Then again, letting Hamilton walk in 2027 could also turn out to be a massive mistake.
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Losing DaVon Hamilton is a big blow; the Jaguars need to re-sign him
DaVon Hamilton isn't good at rushing the passer, but his ability to stop the run is second to none. That will be hard to replace, and it's why the Jaguars cannot afford to let him walk next year. Rookie Albert Regis was seen as Ham's heir apparent, but he's been a non-factor as a rookie, logging a measly 18 defensive snaps.
Matt Dickerson is a solid rotational piece but isn't the kind of player opposing teams game plan for. Ruke Orhorhoro is also in the mix, but he hasn't done much of note since being traded to Jacksonville. Compounding the issue is that Arik Armstead is set to become a free agent after 2026, meaning that an underwhelming defensive line could be even worse next year.
Simply put, losing DaVon Hamilton now is a big blow to a Jaguars team that is looking to contend this season. Next year, it could create an even bigger issue if he leaves.
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