Jaguars keep very few remains of Trent Baalke era on initial 53-man roster

The Jacksonville Jaguars are done putting their 53-man roster for the 2025 season. It took plenty of effort and several tough decisions, but the end result looks pretty good.

One thing that stands out is that the new regime isn't keeping many of the players who general manager Trent Baalke drafted. Sure, Trevor Lawrence, cornerback Tyson Campbell, and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., among others, are still around, but the Jags moved on from several players from their past three draft classes.

It all started when Jacksonville traded 2022 draft pick Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints after Week 2 of the preseason. That was a sign that no player was safe. And if you want to go a bit further, the team's brass also cut ties with Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and free-agent disappointment Gabe Davis in the offseason.

Anyway, the Jags moved on from several recent draft picks hours before the cutdown deadline on August 26. Linebacker Chad Muma and safety Daniel Thomas were among the most notable cuts, but cornerback DeAntre Prince, edge rusher Myles Cole, and offensive tackle Javon Foster also got the boot.

By now, you may have noticed a trend. Most of the players Jacksonville released were acquired by the past regime. Sure, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig was also waived, but he had an uphill battle as an undrafted free agent, so his departure isn't particularly shocking.

Now, it's very common for a new administration to bring in its own guys, but the duo of head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone is keeping very few players from the Baalke era, and understandably so.

When Baalke was at the helm, the Jags routinely had glaring holes across the roster. On top of that, the team lacked depth. That's no longer the case after Gladstone and Coen replenished virtually every position group in the offseason. In fact, it's fair to say that the duo put together a well-rounded team.

And with that in mind, here's a look at the initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season. Just keep in mind that the Jags will continue to make moves in the upcoming days.

Jaguars quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens

No surprises here. The Jags were always going to keep two quarterbacks, and their intentions were clear when they released John Wolford and later Seth Henigan.

Jaguars running backs (4): LeQuint Allen, Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten

No shocking moves here either. The Jags would've surely liked to keep Ja'Quinden Jackson, but they had no room for him. He could return to the special teams.

Now, the biggest questions become who'll be the lead back in 2025, and whether the Jags will trade Travis Etienne at some point of the regular season.

Jaguars wide receivers (5): Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Dyami Brown, Austin Trammell

The Jaguars have been looking for wide receiver help since they released Joshua Cephus before the finale. They inquired about DeVaughn Vele and could either trade for reinforcements or take a dive on the waiver wire.

Jaguars offensive linemen (9): Walker Little, Anton Harrison, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Cole Van Lanen, Jona Monheim

The offensive line is one of the Jaguars' most improved units since the end of the 2024 season. Heck, they signed Fred Johnson in free agency, and he wasn't able to make the cut. Now, Jacksonville has depth and talent across the line of scrimmage.

Jaguars tight ends (3): Brenton Strange, Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long

Although the Jags signed Quintin Morris in the aftermath of the draft, he was a long shot to make the team. From very early, Brenton Strange, Johnny Mundt, and Hunter Long appeared to be locks to make the team.

Jaguars defensive line (11): Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, Dawuane Smoot, Emmanuel Ogbah, Austin Johnson, Khalen Saunders, DaVon Hamilton, Danny Striggow, and BJ Green

Like their offensive counterpart, the defensive line got a makeover in the offseason. Although starters Josh Hines-Allen, Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, and Travon Walker return, the unit has much-needed depth inside and outside.

Jaguars linebackers (6): Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, Jack Kiser, Dennis Gardeck, Yasir Abdulla

Chad Muma wasn't part of the team's plans, so he got the boot ahead of cutdown day. Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd are set to start, and Ventrell Miller will be a pretty good No. 6. All this considered, the linebacker corps is a strength for Jacksonville.

Jaguars cornerbacks (5): Tyson Campbell, Montaric Brown, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Christian Braswell

The Jaguars have a pretty good cornerback trio in Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, and Jourdan Lewis. Add Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter to the mix, and the group looks in good shape.

That said, don't be surprised if the team's brass keeps making moves in the upcoming days to bolster the position.

Jaguars safeties (5): Eric Murray, Antonio Johnson, Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane

The Jaguars had a logjam at safety, but it looks like they sorted it out in a suitable way. Eric Murray will start, but it will be interesting to see who gets the spot next to him come Week 1.

It's also worth noting that Calbe Rasnaw didn't pop up, so he'll likely start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Jaguars special teams (3): Cam Little, Ross Matiscik, and Logan Cooke

Breaking news: The Jaguars kept their special teams core together.