Every year, there are players who make a strong impression in the offseason program but fade once the pads go on. Cornerback Jabbar Muhammad was one of them. An undrafted free agent in 2025, Muhammad stood out at Organized Team Activities, and his intriguing showing carried over into training camp. Understandably, the Jacksonville Jaguars gave him a chance to earn a roster spot in the preseason, but his bid came up short.
With the Jags picking fourth-year pro Christian Braswell, Muhammad was left off the 53-man roster. He was waived and returned to the practice squad after being unclaimed.
In his latest media availability session, general manager James Gladstone revealed why Braswell got the nod over Muhammad.
The Jaguars went with Christian Braswell because of his experience
James Gladstone had an exchange with the local media in the aftermath of roster cutdown day. He discussed the decision to keep Christian Braswell over Jabbar Muhammad, noting that the former's ability to play special teams played a role.
"I think there's tough dynamics with a lot of those decisions," Gladstone told reporters (11:46). "Christian's been there, done that. Has a notable role on special teams come game day. You talk about actives versus inactives and what it is that is going to differentiate guys."
Although Gladstone then praised Muhammad, he ultimately thought that rolling with Braswell was the best course of action because of his experience on game day.
But nonetheless, when it comes down to Christian, his experience, his comfort in our system, all those things when we think about the game-day active list really jump out and lend itself to the decision to keep him in that place.
One big reason Braswell got the nod was that Muhammad got ample playing time in the preseason but wasn't able to make a play aside from the game-winning pass deflection in the opener against the New Orleans Saints. In three games, the former Oregon Duck gave up 10 receptions on 14 targets for 70 yards. While that's not necessarily a bad statline, the top brass would've surely liked him to make more big plays.
Granted, Muhammad wasn't competing for a starting spot but rather the CB5 job. But even then, his performance wasn't enough to get it.
What's next for Jabbar Muhammad after the Jaguars waived him?
Jabbar Muhammad would've surely loved to make the team, but it seemed like he wasn't ready just yet. The good news is that it's not the end of the row. Having landed on the practice squad for the second year in a row, he can continue honing his skills.
If Muhammad continues to improve like he did in the offseason, there's a strong chance Jacksonville will call him and thrust him into action at some point in 2026. But even if the sophomore cornerback doesn't suit up for a game next season, he should be in a prime position to compete for a roster spot once again next year.
In the end, the Jaguars wanted to keep the players they believe give them their best chance to win. Jabbar Muhammad wasn't one of them on cutdown day but could be later this year or next.
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