For a moment, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars had sorted out their wide receiver room. While Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter were pretty much locks to make the team, it was uncertain who would take the fifth and sixth spots on the depth chart.
Based on the second unofficial depth chart, it seemed like the nod would go to veteran Trenton Irwin and sophomore Joshua Cephus. However, the Jags just made a move that once again raises questions about one of their roster spots.
The Jaguars are releasing WR Joshua Cephus
Days before the preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins, the Jaguars announced on their official website that they released Joshua Cephus with an injury designation.
A few days earlier, Jacksonville also signed offensive lineman Jerome Carvin and running back Kevin Harris. In a corresponding move, it waived wide receiver Darius Lassiter and defensive lineman Eli Mostaert. Unlike these moves, releasing Cephus could have an impact on the depth chart come cutdown day.
An undrafted free agent in 2024, Cephus signed with the Jags last year. He didn't make the team but landed in the practice squad. The former UTSA Roadrunner was promoted once and logged six snaps. Before getting the boot, it looked like he had a good chance of earning a roster spot.
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What's next for the Jaguars after releasing Joshua Cephus?
When the Jags traded Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints in return for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, they proved that they will be tweaking the roster and looking for outside options to improve ther roster. Just a few days later, they did it again when they released Joshua Cephus.
Granted, the team's brass could eventually bring Cephus back like it did with cornerback Ayden White. However, it could have also placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list. This might be a sign that they don't think the second-year receiver could have an impact next season.
With that out of the way, it's fair to ask what's next for Jacksonville? For starters, Trenton Irwin just saw his odds of making the team go up after Cephus' release. On the other hand, the front office still needs to figure out the WR6 slot.
Undrafted free agent Eli Pancol and Austin Trammell appear to be the most logical in-house candidates for the spot. The former showed promise in the offseason program and training camp, while the latter spent the 2024 season in the Jaguars' practice squad. But if they don't find either appealing, it's possible that they'll take a dive in the waiver wire.
Also, Cephus' departure makes the possibility of placing Parker Washington on the trading block less likely. After all, cutting ties with him would leave the team devoid of talent.
All things considered, it was a bit surprising to see the Jaguars move on from Joshua Cephus. After all, it looked like he had made strides. However, it looks like they're moving in a different direction. Which one remains to be seen, but expect them to be busy.
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