By trading Tyson Campbell in return for Greg Newsome, the Jacksonville Jaguars brougth in reinforcements at corner. On top of that, they're clearing cap space in future years. Sure, the move leaves dead money in 2025 and next year but also gives the Jags ample cap flexibility in 2027. That could allow them to reward some of their players who are exceeding expectations this season.
Back in the offseason, there were a handful of prominent players who were entering contract years but didn't appear to be locks to get paid. But five weeks into the season, they're making a strong case to get new deals. By freeing up future cap space with the Campbell trade, the Jags may be considering paying one or two of them.
How does the cap room look for the Jaguars after the Tyson Campbell trade?
Before the Tyson Campbell trade, the Jaguars had a bit over $9 million. They now have around $931,000 after taking on Greg Newsome's salary of $9 million for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, sending Tyson Campbell to the Cleveland Browns creates $6.7 million in dead money in 2025 and $19.5 million next year. It also frees up nearly $50 million in 2027 and 2028. Based on the timing of the move, the Jags chose to take the hit now in order for long-term cap flexibility.
Now, Jacksonville has $20 million in space for 2026. That isn't much, but it could free up a bit more by continuing to clean house and restructuring a few contracts. That extra space in 2027 and 2028, though, could allow the team's brass to extend at least one or two players.
The Jaguars can extend Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne, or Travon Walker after the Tyson Campbell trade
General manager James Gladstone said that giving Greg Newsome an extension wasn't part of the equation when the Jaguars made the deal. However, he doesn't rule it out either. He wouldn't be the only candidate for an extension, though.
Running back Travis Etienne, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and Travon Walker are also eligible for new deals. Of the three, though Etienne and Lloyd may be the most pressing ones, as they're set to become free agents next year, while Walker's contract runs through 2026.
For the sake of the argument, let's focus on Lloyd and Etienne. The former is having a banner year, registering four interceptions and one forced fumble. On top of that, he's massively improved in coverage, an area where he struggled last year. Not surprisingly, he's an early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year award. This is a long-winded way to say that his stock is at an all-time high, so he will most definitely want to get premium compensation.
Right now, six off-linebackers make an average of $15 million per year or higher. Two of them, Fred Warner and Roquan Smith, make $20 million or more. Even if Lloyd doesn't want $20 million per year, he'll want to be one of the five highest-paid linebackers, so he may command at least $15 million.
On the other hand, running back salaries aren't nearly as high, but that's because the position has devalued the past two decades. That said, there are a handful of running backs who have salaries of $10 million or higher. Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley are two of them. Etienne is having a banner year after an underwhelming season.
Given that Etienne has previously shown that he can be a top-10 running back, he might also ask for a top-market contract. For that reason, nobody should bat an eye if he and Lloyd choose not to get an extension now and see what their market is next year.
The question then becomes, who will the Jaguars extend, Devin Lloyd or Travis Etienne? It's hard to tell, but the Jaguars now have room to maneuver after the Tyson Campbell trade.