Just one week before the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive tackle Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in return for Ruke Orhorhoro. This makes sense when you take into account that Smith left much to be desired the past two years, and the Jags were in need of reinforcements at defensive tackle. Orhorhoro can certainly help with that. Lost in the news is that the Jags also cut ties with another player that former general manager Trent Baalke drafted.
Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported that Jacksonville was trading Smith to the Falcons. Not long after, the Jags announced the move but also that they were getting rid of 2023 sixth-round pick Cooper Hodges.
The Jaguars are cutting ties with Cooper Hodges (and Maason Smith)
The Jaguars are waiving Cooper Hodges after three injury-marred seasons. Since 2023, he's dealt with a myriad of ailments. As a rookie, he suffered a season-ending injury in training camp. Then in 2024, the Appalachian State product sustained an injury in his other knee. The Jags waived him last, but he reverted to Injured Reserve after going unclaimed.
Hodges could have made a push for a roster spot if he had gotten back to full strength. But based on the latest move, it doesn't look like the Jags thought he was healthy enough to make a difference, so they'd rather open a roster spot and give it to another player who can compete in training camp.
Hodges became a fan favorite during his stint in Duval for the Tug Boat Tumble dance during training camp.
Cooper Hodges hyping the crowd up today.
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) August 6, 2023
That cartwheel is getting better each day.
(He said he likes the name the "tug boat Tumble") https://t.co/MnqWQXzTWK pic.twitter.com/I3LznZiAIW
What's next after the Jaguars waived Cooper Hodges?
The truth is that releasing Cooper Hodges doesn't truly move the needle. He would have been training camp fodder at best and might've been a long shot to make the practice squad for a simple reason: He could stay healthy.
Hodges flashed potential but could never stay healthy. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you cannot step on the football field, it's not of much use. Either way, the Jags are bringing back all five starters on the offensive line from last year. On top of that, they have sophomores Wyatt Milum and Jonah Monheim in the mix. Add Walker Little to the group, who lost his job to Cole Van Lanen, and the Jacksonville offensive line is in good shape.
Sure, the Jaguars could use depth in the trenches. You can never have too many bigs. Travis Burke would make sense on Day 3, but the team's brass could also target Chase Bisontis or Dennins Gunker in the second round. But even if they choose to prioritize other needs in the NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence should stay protected throughout in 2026.
There's no doubt that that Cooper Hodges never truly got a chance to make an impression because of injuries. But that's the harsh business of the NFL. The Jags realized that it was time to move on, and they'll next look for someone who can take his place.
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