With cutdown day inching closer, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a move that could have roster ramifications. In light of injuries on the offensive line, they sent a sixth-round selection to the New York Giants in return for right guard Daniel Faalele.
Faalele isn't great, but he made 32 consecutive starts for the Baltimore Ravens the past two years. The Giants gave him a one-year deal worth $1.4 million in free agency but could afford to trade him because he was behind Jon Runyan Jr. and Francis Mauigoa.
Given that the Jags gave up a sixth-round selection for Faalele, it's hard to picture him not making the team. With this in mind, here's an updated 53-man roster projection that takes the trade into account.
Jaguars 53-man roster projection: Offense (24 players)
Quarterbacks (2): Trevor Lawrence, and Nick Mullens
Trevor Lawrence remains firmly entrenched as the starter behind center. Barring a trade, Nick Mullens will be part of the Jacksonville quarterback room next season.
Carter Bradley has flashed but may need to wait for his chance to be QB2 next year if Mullens leaves. For the time being, the practice squad it is for him.
Running backs (4): Ameer Abdullah, Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, and LeQuint Allen Jr.
The Jaguars added Chris Rodriguez Jr. to their backfield in free agency. He'll form a three-headed monster with Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. However, the team decision-makers appear to be high on Ameer Abdullah.
When Jacksonville signed Abdullah he seemed like a long shot to make the team, but he wasted no time taking advantage of his opportunities. Heck, he seems to have better odds of making the team than DeeJay Dallas and J'Mari Taylor.
Tight ends (3): Nate Boerkircher, Brenton Strange, Tanner Koziol
Early in the offseason, Quintin Morris looked like a good bet to make the roster, but that changed when the Jags drafted Nate Borkircher and Tanner Koziol. Brenton Strange will be TE1 but the rookies will get ample playing time.
The Jags need roster spots at other positions, so they'll carry three tight ends next season. They can call Morris from the practice squad if needed.
Wide receiver (5): Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, CJ Williams, Jakobi Meyers, Josh Cameron
No surprises here. Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers are the starters. Josh Cameron and CJ Williams have done enough to earn not only a roster spot but a role on offense next season.
Offensive linemen (10): Cole Van Lanen, Ezra Cleveland, Emmanuel Pregnon, Robert Hainsey, Anton Harrison, Jonah Monheim, Wyatt Milum, Daniel Faalele, Walker Little, Chuma Edoga
The Jaguars are getting healthy up front. Walker Little is back in the fold after getting hurt in the scrimmage, and Cole Van Lanen was just cleared. But after the news that Patrick Mekari underwent back surgery, he'll probably start the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. This is why Jacksonville keeps 10 offensive linemen.
Chuma Edoga will soon return to injury as well. He was underwhelming last year, but he offers much-needed depth in precarious times.
Jaguars 53-man roster projection: Defense (26 players)
Defensive tackles (5): Matt Dickerson, Ruke Orhorhoro, Arik Armstead, Albert Regis, DaVon Hamilton
Matt Dickerson seemed like a cut candidate after the arrival of Albert Regis and Ruke Orhorhoro, but he appears to be safe. Arik Armstead didn't go anywhere either and will spend the 2026 season in Duval. DaVon Hamilton also gets the roster spot.
Armstead, Hamilton, and Dickerson are slated to become free agents in 2027, so it will be interesting to see who returns. For the time being, all three get a roster spot.
Defensive end (6): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Danny Striggow, B.J. Green II, Zach Durfee, Wesley Williams
Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II have made tremendous progress from last year. The latter will tentatively be the No. 3 pass rusher behind Josh Hines-Allen and Trevon Walker. Zach Durfee has also flashed and has arguably been better than fellow rookie Wesley Williams.
That said, Williams still makes the cut because he was just drafted. Just don't expect him to get much playing time in 2026.
Linebacker (5): Dennis Gardeck, Foyesade Oluokun, Branson Combs, Ventrell Miller, and Yasir Abdullah
The Jaguars run a nickel package as their base defense, so they can afford to carry just five linebackers. If they kept an extra one, though, Jack Kiser would probably get the nod. There's a chance that will happen, but even if the Jags only allocate five roster spots at the position, they're in good shape.
Cornerbacks ( 5): Travis Hunter, Christian Braswell, Jarrian Jones, Jourdan Lewis, Montaric Brown, Jabbar Muhammad
Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter will start in the perimeter. Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones may primarily line up at nickel but could play in the boundaries if needed. Jabbar Muhammad was a mixed bag in the preseason opener but should still make the team.
Safety (5): Antonio Johnson, Jalen Huskey, Eric Murray, Rayuan Lane II, Caleb Ransaw
The Jaguars have a well-rounded safety room. Although Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray will start, Caleb Ransaw will also have a big role. Rayuan Lane is a solid backup who's a mainstay on special teams, and Jalen Huskey offers depth.
Jaguars 53-man roster projection: Special teams (3)
Kicker Cam Little, Long snapper Ross Matiscik, punter Logan Cooke
You know the drill.
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