The Jacksonville Jaguars made several key additions in the NFL Draft. While it's hard to tell (at least at this moment) whether they truly are in better shape than they were at the end of 2025, the Jags are most definitely not resting on their laurels, as they're still tweaking the roster.
Just before the start of rookie minicamp, Jacksonville released offensive lineman Sal Wormley. This isn't the kind of move that will move the needle, but that could be just the first of many to come. In fact, an NFL analyst believes the team's brass may next cut ties with a grizzled veteran.
The Jaguars could trade Arik Armstead to free up $14.5 million in cap space
Kristopher Knox drew up a list of post-June 1 trade candidates and included Arik Armstead, arguing that the Jaguars could free up as much as $14.5 million in space. Here's the skinny.
"Armstead was productive this past season, recording 5.5 sacks and 28 combined tackles," Knox wrote. "However, he's 32 years old, and Jacksonville could save $14.5 million by trading him after June 1—and only $2.3 million by trading him before then."
Knox also brings up the fact that trading Armstead would pave the way for Albert Regis, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Wesley Williams to see the field.
"The Jags have taken steps to reload their defensive front, trading for Ruke Orhorhoro before drafting Albert Regis and Wesley Williams in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively. Armstead now looks as a prime post-June 1 trade candidate who should interest teams seeking more defensive help up front," Knox said.
Later in his column, Knox names the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans as potential suitors for Armstead. For the sake of clarity, though, Williams played standup linebacker and defensive end, so Armstead's departure probably wouldn't affect him. On the other hand, Albert Regis and Ruke Orhorhoro would most definitely benefit from his exit.
With that out of the way, outright releasing Armstead wouldn't make sense, as the Jags could most definitely use his production. Heck, Mia O'Brien of ESPN says that he's expected to stick around next season.
On the other hand, cutting the veteran big or trading him would leave $12.2 million in dead money in 2026 and $4.9 million next year. Unless Jacksonville gets a draft pick, it may not be willing to bite the bullet.
Why the Jaguars may be willing to cut ties with Arik Armstead
Leaving the dead cap, the Jaguars could trade Arik Armstead to get ahead of the curve and continue signing their homegrown talent. Before the draft, defensive tackle Travon Walker got a four-year extension worth $110 million. Safety Antonio Johnson, tight end Brenton Strange, and wide receiver Parker Washington are also in line for new deals, and all three are scheduled to become free agents in 2027.
By moving on from Armstead and freeing up space, the Jags could sign any of them. Granted, they may not ultimately be able to re-sign all three, but their odds would increase if they cut ties with the 2015 first-round pick. On the other hand, it would make sense to keep him around for at least another season, as he could serve as insurance in case the younger defensive tackles either get hurt or fail to make an impact.
The truth is that trading Arik Armstead comes with lots of benefits, so it at least deserves a thought. Then again, you could also make the case that holding onto him is a reasonable path, so it will be interesting to see what the front office ends up doing.
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