Mike Florio of NBC Sports was told by an NFL executive that the salary cap could be $8 million higher than the projected $242 million for 2024. The official sum ended up being higher than that, $13 million more, to be precise. The Jacksonville Jaguars, like other teams, could benefit from the increase.
Before the spike, the Jags were projected to have around $ 11 million in space. They have $23 million after the adjustment. That should be more than enough to help them re-sign Calvin Ridley and outside linebacker Josh Allen. Also, it should help them keep a few players that they otherwise wouldn't have brought back, including the next three.
3. Darious Williams, cornerback
Cornerback Darious Williams was seen as a potential cap casualty despite the fact that he had a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2023. The reason? He's set to count $11.5 million against the cap. That's not an outrageous amount but releasing him would create $11 million in space with just $500,000 in dead money. That's a tempting sum for a team in need of room to breathe.
But with the cap spike, Williams' spot with the Jaguars should be safe. For the sake of argument, let's say the team's brass move on from him, would they be able to find his replacement, someone who can immediately contribute, in free agency or the draft?
Granted, there are doubts about Williams' potential fit in Ryan Nielsen's scheme but the Jags shouldn't give up on him before even giving him a shot. Having the extra space should make it possible. Heck, they could even keep him around for training camp, and if they see that he's not a viable option, they should then let him walk. Even then, they would still be able to release him and create space.
The difference is that the Jaguars don't have to make a decision right away thanks to the cap increase. Now, they can take the time to assess Williams and other players on the roster before making a move.
2. Zay Jones, wide receiver
Calvin Ridley could hit the open market but he isn't the only wideout that the Jaguars may let walk this offseason. Zay Jones, albeit for different reasons, could find himself on his way out. Whereas Ridley is scheduled to become a free agent, Jones could be a cap casualty.
Having spent time with the Buffalo Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders, Jones signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Jaguars in 2022. His signing raised eyebrows around the league, as he had never logged more than 600 yards in a season throughout his NFL career. However, the East Carolina Pirate quickly proved the Jags made the right decision, setting new career highs for both receptions and receiving yards.
Unfortunately, Jones wasn't able to build on his success and struggled last year due to a PCL injury. He ended up missing eight games and he wasn't himself when he was on the field. This, along with the fact that the Jaguars could create space if they released him, made Jones a prime candidate to get released. That said, he also had a strong case to return in 2024.
The Texas native should return to full strength in 2024. Similarly, the Jags weren't nearly as productive when he missed time, so having him back should give the offense a boost. Furthermore, the Jags won't have gained much cap relief if they move on from him.
He's set to count $10.7 million against the cap and releasing him would free up a modest $4.1 million in space. That amount, while not much, would've come in handy if the cap had remained $242 million. With the spike, his chances of sticking around for yet another season have gone up.
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.