5 potential cut candidates the Jaguars should pursue after 2024 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing their best to avoid a repeat of 2023. After several needs in free agency, they followed it up with a promising 2024 NFL Draft. However, they could still use some help at a handful of position groups.

Some of the players the Jags drafted could end up stepping up and filling some of the remaining roster holes. That said, the front office should err on the side of caution and add a handful of veterans before the start of the season. The following five would make sense. Most of them are potential cut or trade candidates following the draft.

5. Irv Smith Jr., TE - Chiefs

Tight end isn't a need for the Jaguars right now, but that doesn't mean they cannot add other players to the group. Evan Engram is entreched as the starter and Brenton Strange is expected to make a leap in Year 2. No. 3 on the depth chart is the dependable Luke Farrell, a blocking specialist who can catch a few passes if needed. Last but not least is Josiah Deguara, who signed a one-year deal in free agency.

Last year, Jacksonville carried three tight ends into the regular season but that's mostly because seven receivers made the original 53-man roster. In 2022, they kept four tight ends, so it wouldn't be shocking to see them repeat the formula next season. Engram is a lock and so is Strange, but the third and fourth spots could be open for competition in training camp.

Farrell should be the favorite by virtue of having spent the last three seasons with the Jags. However, Irv Smith Jr. could challenge Deguara and Josh Pederson for the No. 4 slot. While Deguara has the flexibility to line up at several spots across the offensive line, Smith is an arguably better pass-catcher.

Smith had a career-low 18 receptions for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2033 but averaged 30 catches and three touchdown per season during his three year-stint with the Minnesota Vikings. At worst, he would provide competition at the position.