5 Jaguars the team was right to cut ties with after 2023

Jacksonville Jaguars were correct to move on Brandon McManus

The Jaguars' struggles at kicker since 2021 are well-documented. The same is true for all their failed attempts to at last put an end to the revolving door at the position. The once-reliable Josh Lambo got hurt in 2021 and lost his confidence. Jacksonville then leaned on Matthew Wright but only for the rest of the season.

Once 2022 ended, the Jags tried out Andrew Mevis, Ryan Santoso, and Elliott Fry in the offseason but none proved to be the answer. Fortunately, they stumbled upon Riley Patterson in the waiver wire, wasting no time to claim him off. While Patterson was as reliable as they come, his range was less than ideal, so Jacksonville gave him his walking papers when Brandon McManus became available last offseason.

McManus had the leg strength that Patterson lacked. He then got off to a promising start in 2024, which made his signing look great at the time. However, he wasn't able to sustain his early success and struggled late in the season.

Not surprisingly, the team's brass didn't make an effort to re-sign him in free agency. He's since signed with the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Jags went with Cam Little in Round 6 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars were correct to move on Brandon McManus

Wide receiver Zay Jones played an essential role in the Jaguars' turnaround in 2022. Coming off the Urban Meyer disaster, they were in need of playmakers. Jones was among the players the front office signed to give the offense a boost. He went on to make an immediate impact, setting new career bests for yards and catches in a season.

However, the former East Carolina Pirate wasn't able to build off his first season in Jacksonville due to a PCL injury that limited him to just nine games and 34 catches with 312 yards in 2023. Even though Jones still had one year left on his contract, the Jags looked for upgrades during the offseason. Once they found them (Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr.), they kicked him to the curb.

Since being released by the Jags, Jones has met with several teams but has yet to strike a deal. It's a matter of time before he does, and he'll surely help the club he ends up joining but the Jaguars won't probably miss him in 2024.

More Jaguars analysis here: