The Jacksonville Jaguars have a logjam at linebacker. Foyesade Oluokun is firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart, and Ventrell Miller has a strong chance to start next to him. Sophomore Branson Combs is lurking just behind them, making a strong push for meaningful playing time. But beyond those three, the Jags have no shortage of options at the position. That's not great news for fourth-year pro Yasir Abdullah.
A fifth-round pick in 2023, Abdullah was an undersized pass rusher at college. While that area of his game didn't carry over into the NFL, he's become a solid depth piece and a contributor on special teams in Jacksonville. However, making the roster in 2026 may turn out to be substantially more challenging than it was the past three years for the former Louisville Cardinal.
What has Yasir Abdullah done with the Jaguars?
At 6'0" and 237 pounds, Abdullah excelled at getting after the quarterback from a standup position at the collegiate level, but his small frame prevented him from having that kind of role with the Jags. As a rookie, he logged 45 defensive snaps in five games.
Abdullah saw an uptick in playing time each of the past two campaigns, playing a combined 24 games with three starts. He also logged a combined 436 snaps on special teams. All things considered, those are solid numbers coming from a late-round selection. But they may not be good enough to make the initial 53-man roster next season.
Why the Jaguars may no longer have room for Yasir Abdullah
Even after letting Devin Lloyd walk in free agency, the Jaguars are stacked at linebacker. Foyesade Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, and Branson Combs are pretty much locks to make the team. Jacksonville might also earmark roster spots for Dennis Gardeck and sophomore Jalen McLeod. Both of them will get playing time in 4-3 sets.
Depending on how many linebackers the Jags want to carry next season, that may leave just one spot up for grabs. Sophomore Jack Kiser, rookie Parker Hughes, and Yasir Abdullah will have to compete for it.
And that's the thing, Abdullah may have already reached his ceiling. On the other hand, the team's brass may want to see what Kiser and Hughes bring to the table. The former isn't particularly athletic but knows how to use his hands to shed blocks and does a good job of defending the run and the pass.
On the other hand, Hughes was one of the most athletic linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. That he slid to Round 7 is a bit puzzling. Still, he landed in Jacksonville and will be given a legitimate opportunity to earn a roster spot. This will, in turn, make it difficult for Abdullah to also get the nod.
Now, Yasir Abdullah will have an edge come training camp by virtue of being the veteran. That said, he faces stiff competition to make the initial 53-man roster, so nobody would bat an eye if he lands on the practice squad or another team tries to claim him off waivers.
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