Despite posting a 13-4 record in 2025, the Jaguars’ cap situation was one of the more interesting in football. They began the 2026 offseason $16 million over the cap, needing to get under this threshold before the start of the league’s new year on March 11th. Today, they took the first steps in adjusting their cap space, restructuring the base salaries of safety Eric Murray and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari.
According to overthecap, the Jaguars were able to save $10.7 million in cap space with these restructures. $9.2 million of Mekari’s salary was converted into a signing bonus, reducing his cap number by $7.36 million, while $4.2 million of Murray’s salary was converted, creating $3.36 million in cap space. Now, the Jaguars are only $6 million over the cap, with more moves expected to be made before free agency begins.
Future outlook
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (65) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In 2026, the Jaguars will reap the benefits of these moves, saving them money to spend elsewhere. In 2027, however, is when the real effects of the restructures will hit. Patrick Mekari’s cap hit will jump from $7.3 million in 2026 to $18.1 in 2027, and $5.5 million in 2028 as a void year (when he is no longer under contract with the team). Eric Murray’s cap number will increase from $4.2 million in 2026 to $9 million in 2027, with his 2028 void year only being $2 million.
In total, the pair of veterans will cost $27.1 million against the cap in 2027. The good news for the Jaguars is that they can capitalize on the lower cap number in 2026, while avoiding major the cap hits the following season. Cutting the veteran lineman next offseason would count $5.1 million against the cap, but would save them $13 million and $5.5 in 2028. If the Jaguars were to cut Murray next offseason, his dead cap total would reach $10 million through 2030 via three void years, while saving $6.5 million.
With potential extensions for defensive end Travon Walker, wide receiver Patrick Washington, safety Antonio Johnson, and offensive tackle Anton Harrison looming, the Jaguars will have to restructure carefully. As the league’s new year approaches, more salary changes are on the horizon for the Jaguars. How they manage to adjust and move money down the line will be a determining factor for the current and future versions of the roster.
Main Images: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]