Jacksonville Jaguars News & Rumors

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. Facing Multi-Week Absence

October 28th, 2024 at 2:08pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jaguars will be without Christian Kirk for the remainder of the season. The team’s receiver depth chart is set to be increasingly thin for a short-term period.

Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is dealing with a chest/rib injury he suffered on Sunday. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports a two-to-four week absence should be expected as a result. Thomas is seeking a second opinion on the matter, and he informed Fowler’s colleague Michael DiRocco MRI results confirmed no major injury took place.

While the first-rounder aims to practice as early as this week, he is in danger of missing time. Any absence would be notable in its own right given how impactful he has been for Jacksonville’s offense so far. In the wake of losing Kirk to a broken collarbone, however, missing Thomas would add further to the issues facing the team on the depth chart.

Selected 23rd overall in April, Thomas was the second LSU wideout to be added during Day of the draft (joining Malik Nabers in that respect). Jacksonville’s WR room lost Calvin Ridley during free agency, something which paved the way for a notable workload right away. Thomas has not disappointed so far; the 22-year-old has reached 60 or more yards in a game five times this year. He currently sits in a tie for sixth in the NFL with 573 yards, and his five receiving touchdowns place him in a tie for third.

The Jags added Gabe Davis in free agency, and he has been a regular presence so far in his debut Jacksonville campaign. The former Bill was not targeted yesterday, but that will likely change moving forward with Kirk out of the picture. Returner Devin Duvernay is currently on IR, but once he returns he could also be in line for an increased role on offense. In any case, Thomas’ health will be a key factor in the team’s efforts to rebound from a 2-6 start.

Jags’ Christian Kirk Suffers Broken Collarbone

October 27th, 2024 at 8:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jaguars’ receiving corps will be shorthanded moving forward. Christian Kirk suffered a broken collarbone on Sunday, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

As a result of the injury, Kirk will miss the remainder of the season. His absence will hinder Jacksonville’s passing attack as the 2-6 team looks to rebound during the second half of the campaign. Of course, this news also means one of the top receivers still on the trade block will not be on the move.

Kirk was unable to eclipse 1,000 yards in any of his four Cardinals seasons while he played out his rookie contract. As a result, it came as a surprise when he inked a four-year, $72MM in free agency to join the Jaguars. Over time, that pact has aged well given the financial waves seen elsewhere at the receiver position. The size of the investment made in Kirk on the Jags’ part does, obviously, underscore the impact his absence will have.

The 27-year-old posted strong production during his debut Jacksonville campaign, setting new career highs in catches (84), yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight). Kirk was limited to 12 games last year, but he remained an efficient contributor with a 13.8 yards per reception average. The receiver position saw a number of changes this offseason, but he was expected to remain a focal point on offense.

Kirk had a number of quiet games in 2024, although he also enjoyed a three-week stretch with 79, 61 and 88 yards as the Jaguars struggled to find a rhythm on offense. The team overcame multiple deficits in Sunday’s loss to the Packers and managed 27 points (without Kirk having a highly productive outing), but a postseason berth remains unlikely at this point. While that will continue the speculation surrounding head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, Kirk’s attention will turn to recovery.

The Texas A&M product drew interest on the trade front, although Jacksonville has not aimed to sell off veteran players ahead of the deadline. Nonetheless, a report from this weekend named Kirk as one of the wideouts who could still be expected to be on the move provided the right offer was made. The WR market has thinned out with Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins being dealt. Now that Kirk will be unavailable, other receivers like Diontae Johnson will receive increased attention on the trade front.

Kirk is due $16.5MM next season, but none of his base salary for the year is guaranteed and he is set to carry a cap hit of over $24MM. An adjustment or extension of some kind could be in order during the offseason as a result. In the meantime, Jacksonville will rely heavily on first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and free agent addition Gabe Davis at the receiver spot. Returner Devin Duvernay is currently on IR, but once healthy he could handle a rotational role on offense.

2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 27th, 2024 at 7:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
New England Patriots: $36.61MM
Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
Houston Texans: $6.01MM
New York Jets: $5.1MM
Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
New York Giants: $1.51MM
Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

Trade Candidate: Brandon Scherff

October 27th, 2024 at 3:04pm CST by Ely Allen

Since leaving his long-time Washington home, career right guard Brandon Scherff has not been the perennial Pro Bowl player he once was. Still, Scherff is a reliable veteran starter that would improve many teams’ offensive lines. That’s perhaps why many organizations are now reaching out about trading for the 33-year-old, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Scherff was a dominant guard during his time in Washington. After an impressive rookie season, there was a stretch during which Scherff made five Pro Bowls in six seasons, only missing out during a season that saw him miss half the season on injured reserve. Two years after his only first-team All-Pro season, Scherff signed as a free agent in Jacksonville. While his three years with the Jaguars certainly haven’t seen him excel in a new city, his availability and experience are well worth taking a flyer on for teams making a push late this season.

Notably, the Jaguars have already shown a willingness to sell off contributing pieces, shipping out defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris two weeks ago to Seattle. This willingness to participate in trades has multiple teams working on other veterans like Scherff and left tackle Cam Robinson.

Coming into today, the Jaguars were third in the AFC South with a 2-5 record, with only the lowly Titans (1-5) behind them. If Jacksonville is unable to start turning things around, it’s going to be difficult to turn down decent offers for some veteran players. With Scherff on the final year of his three-year contract, it makes sense to take what they can get before losing him for nothing in free agency.

WR Notes: Kirk, Thielen, Rams, Chiefs, Pats

October 27th, 2024 at 11:07am CST by Sam Robinson

Diontae Johnson is viewed as the most likely receiver domino to fall between now and the November 5 trade deadline, but Christian Kirk continues to be a name to monitor. The Jaguars wideout was mentioned as a player drawing interest earlier this month, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that has continued, naming the seventh-year veteran alongside Johnson in terms of the receivers who have generated the most trade buzz following the Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins swaps.

Kirk brings an element Johnson does not, as he is signed through 2025. Playing on the four-year, $72MM pact that received scrutiny at the time, the Jags slot receiver now merely sits 25th in receiver AAV. Kirk’s 2022 free agency deal helped ignite the WR market that year, and another boom took place this offseason to render the Jacksonville deal an upper-middle-class pact. Kirk is 27 and attached to a $14.5MM base salary, which will be an issue for teams, as more than $7.5MM will remain for an acquiring team post-Week 8.

Although Kirk’s per-year number has dropped considerably on an exploding market, the Jags do have both Evan Engram and Gabe Davis signed to eight-figure AAVs. They also used a first-round pick on Brian Thomas Jr. this year. Kirk served as Trevor Lawrence‘s most trusted target in 2022 and ’23; as Thomas has shown considerable promise, Kirk has caught 25 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown this season.

Here is the latest from the WR ranks:

Add Adam Thielen to the list of Panthers potential trade chips at receiver. While Johnson is likely to go and Jonathan Mingo is viewed as a player who may not be a long-term fit, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport mentions Thielen as a candidate to be on the move as well. This would add up, as Thielen is 34 and tied to a through-2025 contract that does not have any guarantees remaining for next season. Thielen topped 1,000 yards for a woeful Panthers team last season, residing as Bryce Young‘s clear-cut top target. The ex-Viking’s follow-up effort, however, included an IR stay for a hamstring injury. Carolina has not yet activated the 12th-year veteran from IR. Injuries and age will limit Carolina’s return, but the three-time 1,000-yard pass catcher would only be owed barely $2MM if acquired before the deadline.
Tutu Atwell‘s role will diminish with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. The diminutive Rams receiver indeed saw his snap share on offense plummet from 78% in Week 7 to 12% Thursday night. Atwell has shown flashes for the Rams, but he has not delivered extended stretches of reliability. Los Angeles did not have the former second-round pick among its top three receivers during last season’s stretch run, and ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop notes he is unlikely to be extended before his contract expires in March. This could make Atwell a trade candidate, though given the Rams’ back-to-back wins and their WR health issues, it would make more sense for the team to hang onto the contract-year player.
It could be a while before Skyy Moore returns to the Chiefs. Andy Reid said (via The Athletic’s Nate Taylor) this week the former second-round pick will need to have his core muscle injury “fixed”; the defending Super Bowl champions placed Moore on IR this week. Viewed as a starter to open last season, Moore could not hold up in that role and did not factor into Kansas City’s six-game win streak to close the year. While playing more due to the injuries to Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice early this season, Moore does not have a catch in 2024.
The Patriots made Javon Baker a healthy scratch last week, marking the third straight game that has happened for the rookie. Baker appeared to miss or show up late for a team function in London, as ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss mentions an itinerary “hiccup” took place to help lead the fourth-round pick to the sideline once again. Baker could have a path up New England’s depth chart if Kendrick Bourne and/or K.J. Osborn are moved, but he has played in just two games as a rookie. Baker is active for Week 8.

Jaguars Activate LB Foyesade Oluokun

October 26th, 2024 at 2:12pm CST by Ely Allen

The Jaguars have officially activated linebacker Foye Oluokun after opening his 21-day practice window four days ago. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Oluokun and offensive tackle Cam Robinson will both be returning from their respective absences this weekend.

Jacksonville signed Oluokun the year after he led the NFL with a career high 192 total tackles in 2021 with the Falcons. In his first year with the Jaguars, Oluokun doubled down as the league-leader in total tackles for a second straight year with 184, also leading the league with 128 solo tackles. His 173 total tackles in 2023 was only good for fourth in the NFL, but he once again finished with the most solo tackles with 111.

While Oluokun became a tackling machine in Atlanta, he didn’t begin to stand out analytically until his move over the Florida-Georgia line. Following a season in which Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded him as the 64th-best linebacker out of 86 graded players at the position, Oluokun improved to 29th in 2022 and 21st in 2023. Though he only has three games under his belt this season, Oluokun currently grades as the 10th-best linebacker in the NFL, per PFF.

Oluokun has been on injured reserve the last four games as he’s dealt with plantar fasciitis. Since Oluokun’s stint on IR took place after the season began, he will count toward’s the team’s remaining activation count. Jacksonville has four activations left with Oluokun getting moved to the active roster. The team will hope his return helps spark improvement on defense, a unit which has struggled in a number of areas in 2024.

Robinson had been limited in practice this week after getting knocked out of last week’s victory over the Patriots with a concussion. Garafolo reports that Robinson has now cleared concussion protocol and does not have an injury designation heading into the weekend.

Additionally, the team announced this afternoon that running back Jake Funk and defensive end Joe Gaziano will be activated as standard gameday practice squad elevations for the second straight week.

Trade Rumors: 49ers, Wilson, Packers, Jags

October 25th, 2024 at 10:27am CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Chiefs have been hit hard by wide receiver injuries, they have managed to draw some opponents in the same boat. Between a Bengals matchup sans Tee Higgins and an upcoming Buccaneers tilt without Chris Godwin and, in all likelihood, Mike Evans, Kansas City faced a 49ers team down all of its starters by halftime. Brandon Aiyuk is now out for the season with an ACL tear, and Jauan Jennings has not practiced this week — due to a hip injury — after missing Week 7. Deebo Samuel needed to be hospitalized due to pneumonia, but the veteran wideout returned to practice Thursday and may be on track to suit up against the Cowboys.

Samuel’s status is now vital to the 49ers, who gave Aiyuk a $30MM-per-year extension only to see him join Samuel in struggling in the season following a new deal. The 49ers also have first-round pick Ricky Pearsall back in action weeks after he was wounded in a robbery attempt. Despite all this, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows does not expect the defending NFC champions to add a WR piece at the trade deadline.

Kendrick Bourne, whom the 49ers discussed with the Patriots during the summer Aiyuk trade drama, said he is not eager to return to his original team; Bourne instead prefers to stay in New England. It remains to be seen if the 49ers will shop for some help, but if they are to add (as they usually do at deadlines, as the past Chase Young, Charles Omenihu, Emmanuel Sanders and Jimmy Garoppolo moves show), Barrows expects the move to come elsewhere.

Here is the latest from the trade market:

San Francisco made it this far without adding a running back to cover for Christian McCaffrey‘s nagging Achilles injury, as the reigning Offensive Player of the Year has a decent chance to return in Week 10 after the team’s bye. Two of the 49ers’ former RBs would have been a good fit, as the Dolphins roster Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. Of the duo, ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques notes Wilson is the more likely trade chip. Wilson re-signed with the Dolphins, on a two-year deal that features a veteran-minimum 2024 base salary ($1.13MM), but saw the team trade up for Jaylen Wright in April. The fourth-round rookie joins 2023 third-rounder De’Von Achane on Miami’s roster. The Dolphins have not used Wilson much this season, giving him eight carries. Wilson (29 next month) has an 860-yard season on his resume, during a 2022 season in which he was traded from San Francisco to Miami, and would make for an interesting addition by one of the several teams using a 49ers-like scheme.
The Packers are certainly not in position to sell, but teams have shown interest in both Preston Smith and Andre Dillard, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Smith, 31, has started every game for Green Bay this season. Although his snap rate sits at 56% — which would be a Packers-years low for the veteran edge rusher — it would surprise if the team entertained such a move in-season, even with 2023 first-rounder Lukas Van Ness at this position. Dillard, conversely, has not played an offensive snap. The former Eagles first-rounder has drawn deadline interest in the past, and with Jordan Morgan in reserve, it would be interesting if the Packers discussed trading the veteran.
Following the Roy Robertson-Harris trade with the Seahawks, Doug Pederson said he did not expect the Jaguars to make any additional deals. Though, teams will be calling due to the Jags’ poor start. That said, ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco notes Jacksonville — despite the potential for a new regime taking over in 2025 — does not view this as a rebuild-like situation, so a deadline sell-off should not be expected.

Jaguars LB Foye Oluokun, S Andrew Wingard To Resume Practicing

October 22nd, 2024 at 12:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jaguars secured a win during the second London contest, and they could have a pair of defensive reinforcements in place ahead of their next game. Linebacker Foye Oluokun and safety Andrew Wingard have both had their 21-day practice windows opened, the team announced on Tuesday.

Oluokun was dealing with plantar fasciitis which he suffered in September, leading to his placement on injured reserve. An absence of at least four games was guaranteed by that move, with Week 8 marking the earliest point at which he could be activated. Today’s update is an encouraging sign with respect to Oluokun’s progress in recovery.

The 28-year-old has been as advertised in terms of tackle production since he signed in Jacksonville in 2022. Oluokun led the league in total stops (184) during his debut Jags campaign, and his 111 solo tackles last year also topped the league. He posted 22 through three games to begin the current season while remaining a full-time starter. The former Falcon logged over 1,100 snaps each year from 2021-23, and his durability was a factor which helped him earn a three-year, $30MM extension this offseason. His return to the linebacking corps will be welcomed.

Like many teams, the Jaguars took advantage of the NFL’s new roster-building rules in August. Wingard – along with running back Keilan Robinson – was placed on IR while being designated for return. That kept him eligible to play in 2024 but used up one of Jacksonville’s eight in-season activations. Once he is brought back onto the roster, Wingard will likely reprise his role as a key special teams contributor. The 27-year-old served as a defensive starter in 2021, but otherwise his presence has primarily been felt in the third phase.

Since Oluokun’s IR stint took place after the season began, he will count toward the remaining activation count once he is officially positioned to return. Jacksonville will have four left after Oluokun gets moved to the active roster. The team will hope his return helps spark improvement on defense, a unit which has struggled in a number of areas (but not when it comes to stopping the run) in 2024.

The 2-5 Jaguars also released Tre Flowers on Tuesday. The veteran corner made four appearances this season, his first in Jacksonville. He played sparingly on defense and special teams, making three tackles. As a veteran being let go before the trade deadline, Flowers will not be subject to waivers and as such he will be free to join a new team at any time.

Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell Activated From IR

October 19th, 2024 at 2:40pm CST by Ely Allen

The Jaguars are getting some much-needed help in the secondary this week as the team announced that cornerback Tyson Campbell has been activated from injured reserve. After leaving the team’s season opener with a hamstring injury, Campbell finally gets back to the field for a Week 7 matchup against New England in old England.

With Campbell out of the lineup, the Jacksonville secondary has been picked apart all throughout the first six weeks of the season. Through six games, the Jaguars defense ranked dead last in passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, and passes intercepted. While it’s hard to imagine that Campbell comes in and turns them into a top pass defense unit all by himself, the team’s performance so far has nowhere to go but up.

It makes sense that the Jaguars were patient in returning Campbell to the field. Last year the young corner was nagged with injury. He missed two games about a third of the way through the season and tried to come back but only played half of the defense’s snaps before leaving the game and missing two additional weeks. He attempted to come back one more time and played all of the team’s defensive snaps in that game, but he would miss the next two weeks again with injury. This time, they placed him on IR and allowed him time to rest and recover

In addition to activating Campbell, the Jaguars also announced their two gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow morning. Running back Jake Funk and defensive end Joe Gaziano will be joining the team for their trip to London.

Jaguars Trade DL Roy Robertson-Harris To Seahawks

October 14th, 2024 at 10:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

The terms of the first midseason trade of 2024 are in place. Jacksonville is sending defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seahawks, Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. The Jaguars will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick in return.

Robertson-Harris spent his first four seasons with the Bears, logging a notable role during the 2019 and ’20 seasons in particular. His play during that span helped his market value considerably, and the Jaguars handed him a three-year, $24.4MM deal on the open market. That led to high expectations for the former UDFA, and he served as a full-time starter during his three full campaigns in Jacksonville.

After posting three sacks in each of his first two Jaguars seasons, Robertson-Harris landed a three-year, $21.6MM extension. As a result, he remains under contract through 2026, something which does not make this deal a rental agreement as many trades worked out shortly before the deadline are. With that said, no guaranteed salary exists on the final two years of the UTEP product’s deal, so Seattle is not necessarily making a long-term commitment with this swap.

Robertson-Harris is due to see his cap hits jump to $8.9MM and $9.1MM over the next two years barring any kind of adjustments to his contract. For now, though, the Seahawks will only be responsible for the remainder of his $1.7MM 2024 base salary. This low-cost acquisition will provide depth along the defensive front for a Seattle team which is need of improvement against the run.

The Seahawks currently rank 10th in terms of passing yards allowed per game, but only 27th on the ground. Upgrades along the D-line could help in defending the run, something which has been central to Robertson-Harris’ skillset throughout his career. The 31-year-old has totaled between 30 and 45 tackles in each of his past four healthy seasons, and he will be tasked with chipping in on early downs on his new team.

The Jaguars were not initially interested in adopting a sellers’ standpoint in the build-up to the trade deadline. After another loss dropped the team to 1-5, however, it will be interesting to see if that mindset changes. Jacksonville owner Shad Khan offered an endorsement of general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson ahead of Sunday’s game, but today’s deal could be the first of multiple trades sending veteran players to new teams over the coming weeks.

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