The Jacksonville Jaguars have begun to make moves ahead of free agency. After making a few cap-saving moves, they used the franchise tag on outside linebacker Josh Allen to ensure he doesn't go anywhere. They also brought back offensive guard Ezra Cleveland on a three-year deal worth $28.5 million and later restructured right guard Brandon Scherff's deal.
Before locking up Cleveland, the Jags had around $24 million in space. That won't be nearly enough if they want to keep Calvin Ridley and/or make a couple splash signings in free agency. So what can the team's brass do to get more cap room? Here are three moves that would create around $40 million in savings.
3. Giving Josh Allen an extension, give push 2024 money to future years
The Jaguars couldn't agree to a long-term deal with Josh Allen before the start of free agency, so they used the franchise tag to keep him from leaving. John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that both sides made progress, so it looks like they should eventually strike a deal.
Having the former first-round pick play under the tag in 2024 would take $24 million in space. Conversely, an extension could give him a base salary of $5 million next season and convert the other $19 million into a signing bonus that they can spread over the duration of the contract. This especially makes sense if it lasts four or five years.
Sure, Allen would have bigger cap hits in later years but the team's brass could make a contract adjustment down the road.
2. The Jaguars can release Zay Jones to create $4 million in space
Before the Jags reworked Brandon Scherff's deal, he seemed like a cap casualty candidate. Had he been released, they would've gotten $9 million in space. However, the team's brass chose to keep him around and turned some of his 2024 salary into a guarantee that will count toward the cap in future years.
If the Jags want to keep creating space, they should turn to wide receiver Zay Jones. A second-round pick in 2016, Jones played for the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Jags in 2022. While his signing raised eyebrows around the league, he proved that the Jags had made a sound investment, setting new career bests for yards and catches in a season.
Unfortunately, Jones wasn't able to have the same kind of impact last year. A PCL injury limited him to eight games and a measly 34 receptions for 321 yards with two touchdowns. If the Jaguars don't think the former East Carolina Pirate can bounce back next season, they can release him and create $4.1 million in space. Having said that, there are a couple things that could prevent the Jags from moving on from Jones.
The first one is that cutting ties with Jones would create a need at wide receiver. On top of that, there's a chance the Jaguars will lose Calvin Ridley in free agency. If they do, they're better off holding on to Jones.
This is to say that the front office should only move on from Jones if they manage to retain Ridley and find his replacement in free agency or the draft. If they cannot check off both boxes, the risk of releasing him will outweigh the benefits.
1. The Jaguars can trade Cam Robinson to free up a massive $17.8 M in space
The Jaguars are apparently bringing back the offensive line from last year. Besides re-signing Ezra Cleveland and restructuring Brandon Scherff's contract, the team's brass made it clear they expect Cam Robinson to play out his contract, which runs through the 2024 season.
The news was a bit surprising because all signs pointed to Robinson getting either released or traded. While it's true that the Jags benefit from the veteran's mauling attitute and nasty streak, moving on from him creates a whoping $17.8 million. Maybe Jacksonville's expectation is legitimate but plans change all the time, and trading him would come with several benefits.
With the cap savings, the Jaguars could address the cornerback position or bolster the center spot in free agency. On top of that, parting ways with Robinson would pave the way for Walker Little to start. Little, a second-round pick in 2022, has flashed when he's filled in for Robinson. The team's brass could roll with him next season — at an affordable $2.4 million — and see what they have in him. If he shows out, they can then give him an extension and if he flops, they can let him walk in free agency.
Last but not least, the Jags could get a draft pick in exchange for Robinson. Given the demand at left tackle, maybe they could get a third or a second, but even if they're offered a fifth, that's better than coming out empty-handed.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars are better off moving on from Robinson than keeping him around for another season.