4 players the Jacksonville Jaguars could cut after the 2024 NFL Draft
• These 4 Jaguars could walk the plank once the 2024 NFL Draft is over.
The Jacksonville Jaguars filled multiple holes in free agency. However, they'll need to continue to load up on talent in the NFL Draft if they want to bounce back from a disappointing end to 2023. The downside of bringing in a new batch of players is that the Jags will need to free up a handful of roster spots to make room for them.
Of course, you won't see Jacksonville parting ways with Trevor Lawrence or Josh Allen. Instead, expect the front office to cut ties with players who could have a hard time making the 53-man roster. These four come to mind.
4. Joey Slye, kicker
The Jaguars were one and done with Brandon McManus. They signed him last year thinking he would be an upgrade over Riley Patterson but he failed to live up to expectations. Although he got off to a strong start, he struggled down the stretch.
By the end of 2023, the coaching staff had lost faith in McManus. Once he became a free agent, they didn't make an effort to bring him back. Instead, they re-signed Patterson early in the offseason and later reached an agreement with Wil Lutz.
However, Lutz backed down before he officially signed his deal, and the Jaguars were back to square one. Without better alternatives, they signed Joey Slye, who spent the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders.
Slye isn't much better than McManus. In fact, you could even make the case that he's a downgrade. Last year, he completed 79.2 percent of his attempts and went 3-of-5 in field goals of 50+ yards. Those are decent but by no means good numbers. He'll probably compete with Patterson in training camp but he's not a lock to make the team either.
Since being traded to the Detroit Lions last year, Patterson has been cut twice. Jacksonville probably brought him back because they wanted a familiar face in case they don't find a better alternative at kicker. They could find it late in the draft or afterward. Heck, they may be waiting for the 2024 United Football League season to end to target Jake Bates.
So let's say the Jags do add another kicker to the competition, they'll probably keep the devil they know (Patterson), and move on from the one they don't (Slye).