4 veterans that the Jacksonville Jaguars can release in 2024 to bolster cap space
• Still, they could get a bit of relief by making a few moves
• That includes parting ways with these 4 veterans
3. Darious Williams, CB
Cornerback Darious Williams is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season, tying his career-best for interceptions with four and registering 19 passes defensed, the most he's had in a year. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Williams spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, before hitting his stride with the Los Angeles Rams.
Williams had somewhat of an underwhelming season in 2021 but still managed to land a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Jags last offseason. Miscast as a nickel early in the 2022 season, he fared much better once he replaced Shaquill Griffin in the boundaries.
Realizing Williams was a much better fit in the perimeter, the coaching staff put him opposite Tyson Campbell to start the 2023 season. Speaking of Campbell, the star cornerback has been slowed down by injuries but Williams has stepped up in his absence.
Campbell should return to form in 2024. Coincidentally, that's the last year of his rookie deal. The Jags will most likely want to get a deal done before he becomes a free agent in 2025 and his price tag goes up. If the Jags find themselves scrambling for cap room, they could cut ties with Williams to free up $10 million with just $500, 000 in dead money.
The downside of parting ways with Williams is that he's become an important cog of the Jaguars' secondary. While sophomore Montaric Brown has made strides this season, he doesn't seem to be ready to step up in Williams' place, so the team's brass could be hesitant to part ways with Williams.
That said, the prospect of creating $10 million in space may be too good to pass up. Then again, the front office has other options, including giving him a new contract and push some of the money to future years.