After a less-than-stellar preseason, it was just a matter of time before the Jacksonville Jaguars released linebacker Chad Muma. They just did it a few hours before the cutdown deadline. And with that, the new regime continues to further erase traces of the Trent Baalke era.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Jags are releasing Muma. This means that the move isn't official just yet, but it may be a matter of time before it is.
This makes it clear that Jacksonville is keeping ascending rookie Jack Kiser, and special teams ace Dennis Gardeck.
Related: Jags keep scrubbing remains of the Trent Baalke era with expected release
The writing was on the wall for former Jaguars LB Chad Muma
Releasing Chad Muma doesn't fall into the unexpected move category. Nevertheless, it is a bit surprising that his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars finished after just three seasons. After all, he was a third-round pick in the 2022 draft. And early in his career, there was chatter that the former Wyoming Cowboy could even challenge first-round pick Devin Lloyd for the starting job next to Foyesade Oluokun. He never did, and instead tumbled down the depth chart last year.
Sure, Muma started a few games as a rookie. But a knee injury cut his season short, and when he got a chance to make an impression the following year, he came crashing down. By 2024, the Colorado native was behind Ventrell Miller on the depth chart and only got playing time because former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen used a hockey rotation at linebacker.
Nevertheless, Muma got a fresh start when the new regime took over, and like all the players they inherited, the fourth-year linebacker got a chance to prove himself. However, he wasn't able to seize it and was overshadowed throughout the offseason program by rookie Jack Kiser. Couple that with the arrival of Dennis Gardeck, and he was on the outside looking in.
But Muma still had a chance to make an impression in the preseason and squander it. He missed tackles and generally looked underwhelming. Not surprisingly, the Jags are moving on from him.
And with Muma hitting the waiver wire, another Trent Baalke draft pick just bit the dust. Just recently, the Jaguars traded fellow 2022 third-round pick Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints. Expect other Baalke selections to get the boot by the roster cutdown deadline.