The Jacksonville Jaguars took a deliberate approach in free agency due to cap constraints. Then again, they turned a potential negative into a net positive, getting three compensatory picks after the exits of cornerback Greg Newsome, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and running back Travis Etienne.
Now, the Jags have plenty of ammo in 2026 and 2027 to replenish the roster the next two years. Having said that, general manager James Gladstone could still address a few needs before the draft in late April. The pass rush, in particular, could use a boost, and an intriguing option could become available in the upcoming weeks.
The Jaguars need to keep an eye on potential Panthers cap casualty Patrick Jones II
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report drew up a list of seven potential cut candidates after early free agency and included Patrick Jones II, pointing out that he's suffered a season-ending back injury and could get his walking papers after the arrival of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.
"While the 27-year-old started all four games in which he appeared last season, he underwent season-ending back surgery in October," Knox wrote. "While Carolina would undoubtedly love to see Jones healthy and playing up to his potential in 2026, it may be forced to move on."
"The Panthers added several new pieces to their defense in early free agency, including forced Devin Lloyd and edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Panthers now have just $5.1 million in effective cap space, and they could save $4.8 million by releasing Jones. He'll be a player to watch as Carolina navigates the draft and continues reloading its defense."
Later, in his article, Knox noted that Jones told Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer that he nearly returned for a playoff run but was ultimately not rushed back into action.
A third-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, Jones was a rotational player in his four NFL campaigns, registering 12 sacks in 57 career games with five starts. He signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Panthers in 2025 with the expectation that he could build off of his breakout performance one season prior.
Why it would make sense for the Jaguars to pursue Patrick Jones II
Before anything else, let's address the elephant in the room. Just because Patrick Jones has been brought up as a potential cap casualty doesn't mean that the Carolina Panthers will release him. With that out of the way, the Jaguars should most definitely do due diligence if he became available.
One reason the Jags haven't added external free agents is that they want to amass compensatory picks for 2027. But because Jones would be a cap casualty rather than a free agent, it wouldn't count toward the compensation formula.
In Jacksonville, Jones would give the Jaguars a proven No. 3 beyond Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Sure, he just herniated a disk last year, and back injuries are tricky. But if he gets the axe, he may need to settle on a one-year, prove-it deal to show that he's fully healthy. This could work in the Jags' favor.
The team's brass could give Jones an affordable deal. If it doesn't work out, they can simply move on. But there's a chance the former Pitt Panther could once again be the player who racked up seven sacks with Carolina in 2024.
Of course, the Jaguars could also use a draft pick on a pass rusher. This year's class is deep, so they could easily find an intriguing talent in Rounds 3 or 4.
Having said that, Patrick Jones has shown he can make an impact when healthy. That may incentivize Jacksonville to pursue him if the Panthers move on from him.