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5 Jaguars candidates to be cut going into the summer

• The Jaguars will need to trim the roster throughout the summer. These 5 players may not make the final cut.

By Carlos Sanchez

Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke and owner Shad Khan look on during day 2 of the Jaguars Training Camp Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the Knight Sports Complex at Episcopal School of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke and owner Shad Khan look on during day 2 of the Jaguars Training Camp Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the Knight Sports Complex at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA
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Jaguars K Riley Patterson could be a cut candidate going into the summer

The Jaguars put Riley Patterson on notice when they drafted Cam Little in April. Already, they've released Joey Slye and Patterson could be next. While Jacksonville has been able to bring stability to most position groups the last few years, they've had a revolving door at kicker.

Last year, the front office thought Brandon McManus would put an end to their struggles at kicker, so they moved on from Patterson. McManus ended up struggling and was gone after just one season. They eventually brought back Patterson, who doesn't have great leg strength but was serviceable in 2022.

However, it looks like Patterson was more of a stopgap, as the Jaguars also signed Slye in free agency. That's not the kind of move you make if you think you have a keeper at kicker.

The Jaguars later drafted Little and quickly parted ways with Slye. Keep in mind that teams don't invest a pick on a kicker if they don't think he's the answer. Now, it's too early to crown Little but he should have the edge over Patterson, who spent the 2023 season with two different teams after being traded.

Jaguars RB D'Ernest Johnson could be a cut candidate going into the summer

The Jaguars didn't make any meaningful changes to the running back room this past offseason. Travis Etienne is still entrenched as the unquestioned starter and sophomore Tank Bigsby should see an uptick in playing time. However, there could be a few changes to the bottom of the depth chart.

If Bigsby improves, D'Ernest Johnson will tumble down and find himself having to fend off rookie Keilan Robinson. A fifth-round pick, Robinson doesn't have the size to be a three-down back but his speed, along with his potential as a returner, could help him earn a role in Jacksonville.

Johnson delivered when called upon last year, and like Robinson, he can contribute on special teams. Having said that, the coaching staff will go with the hotter hand. If they carry only three running backs next season, Johnson could be on his way out unless he makes a statement in training camp.

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