The Jacksonville Jaguars took an important step toward re-signing their free agent class when they gave tight end Quintin Morris a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Now, the team's brass will need to move on to the next item on their to-do list.
The Jags are more than $15.9 million over the cap after bringing Morris back. If they want to continue re-signing their own players or adding a few in free agency, they'll need to shed space. Cutting ties with another tight end could help them achieve it.
Re-signing Quintin Morris may be a sign that the Jaguars are ready to move on from Hunter Long
The Jaguars gave their tight end room a makeover last offseason, cutting two-time Pro Bowl nod Evan Engram to pave the way for 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange. This made sense because the move allowed Jacksonville to get a bit over $7 million in space. Moreover, Strange showed starting potential the year prior. Nevertheless, Jacksonville needed to add depth behind him.
First, the front office locked up Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long. Both of them had previously played for offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Liam Coen. Neither stood out as a pass catcher, but both of them had pass-blocking chops. But the Jags weren't done after signing them.
After the NFL Draft, Jacksonville brougth in Quintin Morris. Surprisingly, he turned out to be the best of the bunch. Although the former Bowling Green standout didn't make the 53-man roster, he landed in the practice squad and was eventually signed to the active roster.
Having signed a one-year extension, Morris should have no trouble picking up where he left off last year. However, his return may not be good news to Long. The former Boston College Eagle flashed pass-catching capabilities, hauling in 12 receptions for 85 yards with two touchdowns. However, injuries limited him to just nine games with three starts.
Why the Jaguars could release Hunter Long
Now, you could make the case that injuries alone wouldn't be a reason to cut ties with Hunter Long, but leaving aside that availability is the best ability in football, he's set to have a cap hit of $2.7 million. Although it's manageable, releasing him would free up $1.382 million in space with $1.375 in dead money.
Given the team's precarious cap situation, cutting ties with him may be the best course of action, especially when you take into account that the Jags don't have many cap casualty candidates. Just recently, Pro Football Focus suggested Jacksonville move on from veteran safety Eric Murray, but the move would barely save a bit over $700,000. When you take into account that he was a dependable starter last year, it's hard to see him get the boot in 2026.
Another option to create space would be Arik Armstead, but because the Jaguars don't have anyone else at defensive tackle, they're better off reworking his deal or giving him an extension that decreases his cap number for 2026.
Of course, the Jaguars could also keep Hunter Long around and carry four tight ends next season. But based on their dearth of cap space, don't be surprised if he gets the axe.