The Jacksonville Jaguars are wasting no time trying to undo years of questionable roster decisions by former general manager Trent Baalke. In a span of two days, they moved on from sophomore running back Keilan Robinson and 2023 sixth-round pick Cooper Hodges. Second-year offensive lineman Javon Foster could be next.
The Jags wanted to add depth to offensive tackle last year, so they used a fourth-round pick on Javon Foster. On paper, the pick made sense, as he could work on his craft behind Walker Little and Anton Harrison in 2023 and contribute once he was ready. Unfortunately, the former Mizzou Tiger has left much to be desired.
Foster was a healthy scratch throughout most of his rookie season. To make matters worse, the regime that brought him in is no longer around. Add the fact that the Jags re-signed Cole Van Lanen and locked up Fred Johnson in free agency, and it's hard to see the sophomore offensive tackle earn a roster spot next season.
Sure, the new regime will most likely grant Foster a legitimate shot to compete, but he'll have a massive uphill battle. Little and Harrison should be the starters. The swing tackle job could go to either Van Lanen or Johnson, but both should have a strong chance of making he cut. That potentially leaves Foster as the victim of the numbers game.
Javon Foster's days with the Jaguars are probably numbered
One of the reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars went 4-13 was their dearth of playmakers and inadequate depth. That's why the team's brass made an aggressive effort to raise both the team's floor and ceiling. That means getting its hands on as many talented players as possible, but also cutting ties with those who won't be able to help. Javon Foster fits the bill.
The Jags already showed that they're not afraid to part ways with prominent veterans who were once mainstays but no longer fit their vision. Now, they're focusing on the rest of the depth chart. This doesn't bode well for Foster, who hasn't done enough to make you think he'll be around in 2025. Working in his favor is that, unlike Cooper Hodges and Keilan Robinson, he'll probably get a fair shot to show what he brings to the table in training camp. Still, it's hard to see him turning heads.
The Jaguars have begun to sort out their roster and part ways with players that they don't think will contribute in 2025. Based on their latest moves, Javon Foster could be next on the chopping block.
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