4 contracts holding the Jacksonville Jaguars back right now

The Jacksonville Jaguars failed to make the playoffs in 2023, but unlike other years, they don't have to start from scratch. Many of the players that helped them make the playoffs a couple seasons ago are still on the roster. On top of that, the Jags should get back several key contributors back from injuries. That said, they'll need to make a few changes if they want to have a legitimate shot at challenging the Houston Texans for the AFC South title in 2024.

First, the team's brass will need to find a way to keep outside linebacker Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley from leaving in free agency. They'll then need to make upgrades across the roster. However, it won't be nearly as straightforward as it sounds. They currently have around $11 million in cap space, good for 19th in the league. That won't be nearly enough to bring back Allen and Ridley and make upgrades in free agency.

Working on the Jaguars' favor is that they can get relief if they move on from a handful of players and rework a few deals. Then again, it would be much easier if these four contracts weren't holding them back.

4. Cam Robinson, left tackle

Scheduled salary for 2024: $21.1 M
Potential savings if released: $17.2 M
Dead cap: $3.8 M

Left tackle Cam Robinson gets the last spot on the list because he's set to have a massive cap hit of $21.1 million. However, the Jaguars can easily free up $17.2 million with just $ 3.8 million in dead money if they release him or trade him.

While the offensive line played much better when Robinson was in the mix last year, the Jags would benefit from the space they would get if they moved on from him. On top of that, they have a couple options in place to replace him. They can plug in either Walker Little or Anton Harrison at left tackle. An alternative would be to turn to the draft to look for help at the position.

Either way, the benefits of letting Robinson walk outweight any potential drawbacks.