The Jacksonville Jaguars underwent a roster overhaul in the offseason and will surely continue making significant changes next year. On the other hand, the new regime hasn't hesitated to lock up players who fit their vision and are part of the team's long-term plans.
Earlier this year, the Jags picked up Travon Walker's fifth-year option on his rookie deal. More recently, they gave Pro Bowl punter Logan Cooke a long-term extension. That said, there are a handful of players who are entering contract seasons and have yet to receive a new contract.
Running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd are the two who stand out the most. However, there are other lesser-known players on the roster who are still looking to earn a new deal. Most of them will need to prove themselves to the new regime if they want to either stick around or cash in next year.
So who are these players? Those who signed a one-year deal with Jacksonville in free agency don't count. Sorry, Fred Johnson and Dyami Brown. With that out of the way, here are a handful of Jaguars who are entering a contract season and haven't done enough to earn a new deal.
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Daniel Thomas Jr., Jaguars safety
A fifth-round pick in 2020, Daniel Thomas started a few games as a rookie but has mostly served in a reserve role on defense. On the other hand, he's been a fixture on special teams and precisely because of his impact in that phase of the game, the former Auburn Tiger got a two-year extension in 2023.
Thomas' contributions on special teams make him a valuable piece but he could become expendable after the arrival of rookie Rayuane Lane.
John Wolford, Jaguars quarterback
John Wolford landed with the Jags late in 2024 when the injury bug struck their quarterback room. He stayed in Jacksonville after the arrival of Liam Coen and is currently No. 3 on the depth chart.
It's hard to tell if the Jaguars will carry three quarterbacks in the regular season, but they'll surely sign one for the practice squad. Wolford could get the nod, but he'll need to fend off undrafted free agent Seth Henigan, who's gotten rave reviews coming out of Memphis.
Andrew Wingard, Jaguars safety
Like Daniel Thomas, Andrew Wingard could be the victim of the numbers games in the Jaguars' crowded safety room. With Eric Murray, Caleb Ransaw, and Rayuan Lane III landing in Jacksonville, Dewey will need to show he can keep up with the rest. His special-teams play could give him an edge, but it may ultimately not be enough to help him return in 2026.
Cole Van Lanen, Jaguars offensive lineman
Cole Van Lanen was a sixth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2021 who landed with the Jags via trade the following year. Since then, he's played guard and offensive tackle, giving the coaching staff ample flexibility. The former Wisconsin Badger became the team's swing tackle when Cam Robinson was traded last year.
Even though Jacksonville signed Fred Johnson in free agency, Van Lanen got a one-year tender to come back in 2025. It looks like the new regime likes him enough to give him a chance to show what he's got.
Chad Muma, Jaguars linebacker
There's no sugarcoating: Chad Muma has been a disappointment since the Jags made him a third-round selection in 2023. Although he's been opportunities, he's come up short every time.
With veteran Derrick Gardeck, and linebacker Jack Kiser in the fold, Muma is probably on the fringe ahead of training camp.
Luke Fortner, Jaguars center
When the Jaguars drafted Luke Fortner, they thought they had stumbled upon a viable replacement for the retired Brandon Linder. And although the 2022 third-round pick showed promise early on, he also had some rough stretches as a rookie. Expected to make strides in his sophomore campaign, he instead struggled but remained in the starting lineup because Jacksonville didn't have anyone else.
With the arrival of Mitch Morse in 2024, Fortner was relegated to a reserve role. His status won't change following the signing of Robert Hainsey in free agency earlier this year.
Montaric Brown, Jaguars cornerback
Can you really call Montaric Brown lesser-known when he's had a strong offseason? Maybe not, but you can't call him a star either. What's important is that the seventh-round pick out of Arkansas has been one of the primary backups at cornerback the past two seasons and figures to take on a significant role in 2025.
Whether Brown starts or not, he should be a good fit in Anthony Campanile's zone scheme. This puts him in a position to showcase his talent in hopes of getting paid next year.
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