3 Jaguars players who could be spared after the NFL salary cap spike

1. Brandon Scherff, right guard

The Jaguars spared no expenses to improve the roster in 2022. Among their biggest acquisitions in free agency was right guard Brandon Scherff, who inked a three-year deal worth $49 million. A first-round pick in 2015, Scherff made five Pro Bowl nods, along with a First-Team All-Pro designation during his seven-year stint with the Washington Commanders. That's probably why Jacksonville didn't mind making such a heavy investment on him.

However, Scherff hasn't been nearly as dominant as the Jags expected. He hasn't been dreadful but he hasn't been great either. Given that the team could free up $9 million in space if they release him, he's been brought up as a potential cap casualty this offseason. However, the Jags may choose to keep him around after the salary cap spike.

The main reason Scherff hasn't played at a Pro Bowl level is that he's dealt with injuries the past two years. Conversely, he's shown toughness, having made 34 consecutive starts. Maybe this is the year he manages to stay healthy and get back to his old self. With the cap increase, his return looks more likely. Also, bringing him back comes with an added benefit.

With Brandon Scherff back in the fold for another season, the Jaguars can afford to look for his heir apparent in the draft and have him learn behind him in 2024. But even if they don't take a right guard in the draft, having him around could be beneficial for sophomore Cooper Hodges, who's returning from injury.

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