We're in the dead zone, where the Jacksonville Jaguars have finished their last preseason game, the final day of training camp has come and gone, and the 53-man roster is set. Well, mostly set; James "I've got rocks" Gladstone (are you tired of that nickname yet?) doesn't seem to rest, so don't be surprised if the Jags make a few more last-minute adjustments to the roster.
So what's a man to do during the dead zone? Too early predictions, of course, because why not? Football is supposed to be fun, so let's have some fun. And today, that "fun" means we're not just looking ahead to the 2025 season. No sir. We're looking WAY ahead to 2026. With this in mind, here are a few Jaguars I don't think will still be around next year.
Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown
I like Montaric Brown. He's been a consistent presence in the backfield and a solid backup to fifth-year veteran Tyson Campbell. But he's entering the final year of his rookie contract, which means he'll need to earn his place on the Jaguars' roster in 2026.
While the Jaguars aren't exactly stacked in the backfield, they have an interesting combination of rookie deals, second contracts, and free agent signings that might keep Brown from getting a second contract of his own.
Sophomore Jarrian Jones flashed in training camp and the preseason and is only entering his second year, which means he's still relatively inexpensive in 2026. Campbell's cap hit and veteran presence make him an unlikely cut next offseason, and recently signed Jourdan Lewis—barring a disastrous 2025—seems like a lock to be around in 2026.
Add in the relatively inexperienced Christian Braswell (also still on a rookie deal) and the potential of Travis Hunter playing both sides, and there doesn't seem to be room to bring Brown back.
"If you are a true top-tier, top 5 corner, that is going to be more valuable than even the top wide receivers."
– @TampaBayTre on Travis Hunter potentially providing more value as a cornerback than a wide receiver. pic.twitter.com/Rd7E06Whw1
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 26, 2025
Related: Ex-Jaguars special teams ace wastes no time landing with Lions after getting cut
Jaguars running back Travis Etienne
Are you guys tired of me talking about Etienne yet? He's a fan favorite for a good reason. We all remember the outside run against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. Without Etienne, that magical 2022 season doesn't happen, let alone what was potentially the greatest comeback in Jaguars history.
Still...Jacksonville is deep at the running back position. Tank Bigsby has proven himself a capable starter, and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LaQuint Allen Jr. look promising. Yes, I know, neither has played a regular-season game yet, so maybe pump the brakes. Either way, there might be too many bodies in that room for Etienne to get the second contract he deserves.
Related: Jaguars' plans for Travis Etienne just tipped with Ja'Quinden Jackson release
Jaguars safety Darnell Savage
Maybe not a shock to most of you. Savage didn't have the year we were hoping, and he didn't exactly shore up the safety position like he was expected to. While Pro Football Focus isn't gospel, he's ranked 153 out of 171 safeties in the NFL. Not great. He's allowed a quarterback rating of 114.6, had eight missed tackles, and only three pass breakups. Also not great.
The Jaguars also have a relatively easy out. Cutting him early in the 2026 offseason would mean a relatively minor cap hit of $3 million, and that drops to $1 million with a post-June 1st designation.
With two rookie safeties, fan-favorite Andrew Wingard, and the recently signed Eric Murray, Savage might find himself out of a Jaguars uniform after this season.
Final thoughts
The Jaguars have several positions that seem relatively deep and affordable, meaning Brown, Etienne, and Savage might be unemployed once the season ends. Yes, it's way too early to talk about the 2026 offseason, and yes, many of these players have plenty of time to prove that they deserve a second contract or the ability to finish out their existing one.
But it's the dead zone. What else are we going to do?
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