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Updated Jaguars salary-cap space on the year's biggest shopping day

• Here's a look at the Jaguars' finances and cap shape for 2025.

By Carlos Sanchez

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson smiles next to general manager Trent Baalke, right, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Today marked the first padded practice.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson smiles next to general manager Trent Baalke, right, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Today marked the first padded practice. / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Even though they're 2-9, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have a chance to make the playoffs. Then again, their margin for error is slim. One loss is all it would take for them to be eliminated from contention.

On the bright side, that would help the Jags get a high position in the 2025 NFL Draft. Furthermore, they're set to have a significant amount of cap space next year, so even though things haven't gone the way they expected this season, they'll have no shortage of assets to quickly improve.

Going back to their cap space, you would think that they will be hurting next year after giving top-market extensions to Trevor Lawrence, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, and cornerback Tyson Campbell this past offseason. However, that's not the case, and with that in mind, let's look at the team's finances for 2025.

How much cap space will the Jaguars have in 2025?

The Jaguars are slated to have nearly $62 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. They'll need to put aside around $10 million to get their rookie class under contract.

That will leave them with around $52 million to re-sign their own players or go after a handful of free agents next offseason.

The Jaguars will need to make a decision on Andre Cisco and Walker Little

Speaking of players Jacksonville may want to re-sign, a few stand out. Left tackle Walker Little and safety Andre Cisco are the top candidates to get new deals next offseason, but it's uncertain they'll get them from the Jags or another team in free agency.

Little has made a strong impression since the team traded Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings. The front office may want to get him before his stock keeps going up, but he may also want to test free agency and see what other clubs are willing to pay them. Given that he plays a premium position, there could be a robust market for his services.

On the other hand, Cisco was projected to have a breakout season after registering a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed the past two years. However, he's been unremarkable this season, so he may not be in a position to demand top-market compensation.

Either way, Cisco and Little are the most notable Jaguars slated to hit the open market next year. Depending on whom the team decides to bring back, it will be the amount of space they'll have left to address other areas of need.

What are some positions the Jaguars could address in 2025 free agency?

The Jaguars have arguably the worst defense in the league and their offense could use upgrades. Like Andre Cisco and Walker Little, right guard Brandon Scherff is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. But unlike his teammates, the veteran offensive lineman probably won't be in demand in the open market.

After all, Scherff isn't nearly as dominant as he was during his stint with the Washington Commanders. Moreover, he'll be 33 next year. That means that Jacksonville will need to look for his potential replacement.

Similarly, the Jags could use upgrades on the interior defensive line despite the fact that they just drafted Maason Smith and Justin Jefferson. The secondary could also use a starting cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell.

Last but not least, Jacksonville may want to add another weapon to Trevor Lawrence's arsenal. Wide receiver Gabe Davis has been underwhelming and Christian Kirk could be a cap casualty, so the fourth-year quarterback could use another quarterback.

Who are potential cut candidates for the Jaguars in 2025?

As previously stated, the Jaguars will have around $62 million to spend next offseason but they could create a bit more of space by releasing a handful of players. Some of the potential candidates would be the aforementioned Christian Kirk, cornerback Ronald Darby, and return specialist Devin Duvernay. Releasing any of them would free up space, but it's not a given that they'll leave.

The Jags could consider bringing him any of them back if they take a pay cut. Getting their contract structures or getting an extension would be other options. It's also worth mentioning that Kirk, Darby, or Duvernay aren't the only cut candidates. Others could surface from now until free agency. Some of them will be let walk and others will return.

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