4:54pm: The release is now official, as Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports tweets.
12:30pm: The Jaguars are expected to release running back Toby Gerhart today, according to Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com. GM David Caldwell has since confirmed the move (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union).
Gerhart has battled injuries during his last two years with the team and has not been able to live up to his sizable free agent contract. As the Jaguars welcome in one high-priced free agent running back in Chris Ivory, they say goodbye to their last major expenditure at the position. The tailback signed a three-year deal worth $10.5MM with the Jaguars two years ago. Had he stayed on the roster, Gerhart would have collected on a $500K roster bonus (due Sunday) and a $3MM salary in 2016. As expected, the Jags decided to cut their losses and let Gerhart walk.
In 21 total games with Jacksonville, Gerhart ran for 370 yards and two scores. Last season, he carried the ball 20 times for 44 yards. DiRocco notes that Gerhart has been injured all over with ailments to his injured foot, tender ribs, and core. Prior to his tenure in Jacksonville, Gerhart was a competent backup for the Vikings behind Adrian Peterson. His best season came in 2011, when he finished with 531 rushing yards and another 190 yards through the air.
Recently, general manager David Caldwell indicated that there could still be a place for Gerhart on the team going forward. Still, his release does not come as a surprise.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.