Ex Jaguars WR Zay Jones offers fond farewell after his release

The Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Zay Jones in a cap-saving move after the 2024 NFL. Regardless of where Jones plays next, he took the time to thank Jags fans everywhere for his support during his two-year stint in Jacksonville.

Jones took to Twitter to respond to a message the Jaguars posted thanking him for his time in Duval.

"Beyond grateful for every memory, truly. every teammate, every coach, every staff member, every fan ive encountered or felt inspired by. the support of a strong community does so much for us athletes. thank you more, Duval and Jags fans overseas," Jones said.

A second-round pick in 2016, Jones inked a three-deal worth $24 million with the Jaguars in 2022. At the time, there were questions surrounding his signings because he had logged more than 600 yards in a season just once in his career. However, the former East Carolina Pirate quickly put all doubts to rest.

In his first season in Jacksonville, Jones caught a career-best 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns. His biggest play that year might've come against the Baltimore Ravens when he caught the game-winning two-point conversion.

Unfortunately, Jones wasn't able to build off his success in 2022 and struggled last year. A PCL injury limited him to just eight games and 34 receptions for 321 yards with two touchdowns. Then the offseason came and he became a release candidate when Jacksonville signed Gabe Davis.

While there was a chance Jones would stick around, the writing was on the wall when the Jaguars drafted Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round.

Don't forget Zay Jones was a key contributor for the Jaguars in 2022

Zay Jones holds no grudges for being released. This isn't his first rodeo and understands this is a business. That said, taking the time to post a message on social media shows that he's appreciative of his time with the Jaguars.

If Jones is healthy, he won't have trouble finding a job. Other players have had similar injuries in the past and they had no trouble coming back. He should be as productive as he was in 2022 if he's fully healthy, and there aren't any reasons to think he isn't. In fact, the Dallas, Texas native would've been a great WR4 in Jacksonville but his salary wasn't proportional to his potential role.

Simply put, the Jaguars moved on from Zay Jones because they had gotten better at wide receiver since the end of 2023 and his salary didn't justify keeping him around. That doesn't mean he won't be able to help another team. But before he finds a new home, he made sure to thank everyone who supported him the past two years.

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