Jaguars may have hit the jackpot with audacious gamble on Eric Murray replacement

The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't in need of reinforcements at safety in the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, they just signed Eric Murray in 2025, Antonio Johnson is coming off a breakout season, and sophomore Caleb Ransaw is poised to compete for a featured role after missing his rookie season with a knee injury. But despite the fact that the Jags are set at the position, that didn't stop them from taking Jalen Huskey in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

In Huskey, Jacksonville just got a player who excels at creating game-changing plays. He'll be a great addition to defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme. However, his arrival could spell the end for Murray.

The Jaguars could move on from Eric Murray after drafting Jalen Huskey

When the Jaguars signed Eric Murray to a three-year deal worth $18.5 milllion in 2025, they needed stability in the back end. He provided it right off the bat but didn't generate many big plays, finishing the year with just one interception, one forced fumble, and four passes defensed. That's not necessarily a bad statline, but the coaching staff would surely want to see one of their starting safeties generate more game-changing plays. That's where Jalen Husky comes in.

Although the former Maryland Terrapin doesn't offer much in run support and lacks top speed, he's got a penchant for generating big plays, 11 interceptions and 10 pass deflections the past three seasons. Jacksonville would most definitely love to have that kind of production at one starting spot.

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What should the Jaguars expect from Jalen Huskey in Year 1?

This is the second year in a row that the Jaguars have taken a safety in Round 3 of the draft. Last year, it was Caleb Ransaw, who might've earned a starting job if he hadn't suffered a leg injury in training camp. The former Tulane Green Wave will be back at full strength for the offseason workouts, so he should have no trouble picking up where he left off.

On the other hand, Antonio Johnson made enough game-altering plays in 2026 to firmly entrench himself at the top of the depth chart, so he won't give up his job easily. With Jalen Huskey entering the mix, Eric Murray could be the victim of the numbers game, not because he's a bad player, far from it. It's just that the veteran safety has already reached his ceiling, and the Jaguars could be looking for someone with bigger upside at the position.

Murray has a cap hit of $4.2 million in 2026, but making him a post-June 1 cut would allow the Jags to split the dead money in hits of $3.8 million and $5 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Of course, keeping him is also an option, as the former Minnesota Golden Gopher would provide valuable depth. That said, the team's brass may want to use his roster spot for another player, so releasing him is definitely an option.

The truth is that the Jags entered the draft looking to raise the roster ceiling, and they did it when they selected Jalen Huskey. The side effect may be that he could end up pushing Eric Murray out.

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