4 Jaguars who could be at risk of losing their job after the 2024 NFL Draft
2. Zay Jones, wide receiver
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they gave Zay Jones a three-year deal worth $24 million in 2022 and rightfully so. A second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, Jones had not tallied more than 600 yards in a season before the landed in Jacksonville. Similarly, he had only scored more than two touchdowns once in his career. It didn't take long for the former East Carolina Pirate to silence his critics, though.
Jones quickly became an integral piece on the Jaguars' offense, coming up clutch at key times. His two-point conversion that helped Jacksonville beat the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 is probably his most memorable play in Jaguars uniform but far from the only one.
By the end of the 2022 season, Jones had set new career bests for receiving yards and catches in a season. Moreover, he scored five touchdowns, the second-highest mark of his career. Expected to build off of his first season in Jacksonville, the Dallas, Texas native was hampered by injuries last year.
A PCL injury limited Jones to just eight games and 34 receptions for 321 yards. Even when he suited up, he wasn't himself. He should have ample time to recover in the offseason but maybe that won't be enough to get his old job back. The Jaguars signed Gabe Davis in free agency and they expected him to play alongside Calvin Ridley. However, the latter joined the Tennessee Titans. If he had stayed, there's a chance Jones would've been a cap casualty. But he isn't safe just yet.
Davis isn't a replacement for Ridley, so the team's brass could still look for help at receiver in the draft. At No. 17, they will be to take in position to take either Brian Thomas Jr. or Adonai Mitchell. They could also move up into the top 10 and select either Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. Another possibility would be to trade for Tee Higgins.
Either way, the Jaguars have options at wide receiver. If they bring someone in, Zay Jones will probably be a victim of the numbers game.