The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a promising start to free agency, re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck in the early hours of the legal tampering period. Having said that, they barely have any cap space to make any further signings, so they'll need to get to work the next couple of days.
The Jags began the legal tampering period with $100,000 after a series of contract restructures. While they created $2.7 million in savings after cutting ties with tight end Johnny Mundt, that won't be enough to comply with league rules at the start of the year on March 11.
That means that the team's brass will need to restructure a few deals and release other players. The next candidate to get his walking papers after Mundt is abundantly clear.
The Jaguars could next release Chuma Edoga after cutting ties with Johnny Mundt
The truth is that the Jaguars don't have many cap casualty candidates after letting Johnny Mundt go. They could restructure Arik Armstead's deal or trade Walker Little to create as much as $14 million. However, the front office could also release Chuma Edoga and free up $2.8 million in cap space with $1 million in dead money.
A third-round pick in 2019, Edoga signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with the Jags. Before landing in Jacksonville, he played for the New York Jets, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Prior to joining the Jags, though, the former USC Trojan was never able to seize a starting job, which is why he was available to begin with last year. Having said that, he made a strong impression during the offseason program, going as far as sharing first-team reps with Anton Harrison.
Edoga kept making strides in training camp, but once the regular season came, it all came to a screeching halt. On just 101 offensive snaps, he was flagged a concerning five times. To nobody's surprise, the veteran hog molly progressively saw a dip in playing time. By the end of the season, he had become an afterthought, which is why nobody would bat an eye if the Jags move on from him.
What would be next if the Jaguars cut ties with Chuma Edoga?
As unremarkable as Chuma Edoga was, he provided depth across the offensive line, showing the capability to play right tackle or play inside. If the Jags were to move on from him, they would need to replace him. They sent a contingent to the scouting combine that met with Memphis offensive lineman Travis Burke. They later had a virtual meeting. He could be an intriguing developmental prospect on Day 3 of the draft.
Another option would be 2023 sixth-round pick Cooper Hodges. While the former Appalachian State product has flashed, he's had trouble staying healthy the past three seasons. However, he's still around, so he may get one last chance to show what he's got.
Either way, releasing Chuma Edoga makes sense from a financial standpoint. But if the Jaguars move on from him, they will also need to beef up their offensive trenches in free agency or the draft.