5 Jaguars salary-cap decisions the Jacksonville Jaguars will have to make in 2024

4. Does Brandon Scherff stay or go in 2024?

Wanting to make sure Trevor Lawrence stayed protected, the Jaguars spared no expenses to fortify the trenches in 2022. One of the biggest moves they made was bringing in right guard Brandon Scherff in 2022 to replace long-time fixture A.J. Cann.

Although Scherff arrived in Jacksonville with questions about his availability — he had missed 24 games the prior five seasons — he also had gotten five Pro Bowl nods during his seven-year stint with the Washington Commanders. That's probably why the Jags didn't mind paying top-market money for his services.

Surprisingly, Scheff managed to stay healthy and start every game in his first season with the Jaguars, a feat he hadn't achieved since 2016. He did it again last year. The trouble is that he hasn't been nearly as dominant as he was for the Commanders, which casts doubt about his return for 2024. If the Jaguars think he won't be able to get back on track (he's 32), they could release him and free up $9 million in space. Then again, it won't probably be a cut-and-dry decision.

Scherff has been voted a team captain in back-to-back years. He's also one of the most respected figures in the locker room, so moving on from him could potentially leave a leadership void. However, there's a reason the Jaguars may want to keep him around.

See, Scherff has made 34 consecutive starts the past two seasons but he hasn't been at full strength. In 2022 he dealt with an abdomen injury. Last year, an ankle injury held him back. If the Jaguars think he can remain injury-free (or as close as possible), they may let him play his contract out.