Jaguars Cut Veteran Wide Receiver Days After The NFL Draft

30/04/2024 16:53

After spending their first-round pick on a wide receiver, the Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with a veteran.

Jacksonville released Zay Jones on Tuesday morning. He was slated to make $8 million in the final season of his three-year contract, and the move will save Jacksonville approximately $4.5 million against the salary cap.

The Jaguars also cut Joe Slye after drafting kicker Cam Little in the sixth round.

Jones joined Jacksonville in 2022 after three seasons with the Raiders. He promptly tallied personal highs in catches (82) and receiving yards (823) before garnering 74 yards and a touchdown in a comeback playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

However, his role diminished after Jacksonville welcomed Calvin Ridley to the offense last season. Jones caught 34 of 64 targets for 321 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.

Jones was arrested for a misdemeanor domestic battery in November after the mother of his child allegedly suffered a neck injury during an argument. Florida's state attorney's office declined to press charges in March.

Jacksonville signed Gabe Davis after losing Ridley to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The franchise then used the No. 23 overall pick on former LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr.

Jones would have likely entered the season as Jacksonville's fourth wide receiver behind Christian Kirk, Davis, and Thomas. Tight end Evan Engram also led the team with 114 catches last year.

Those additions made the 29-year-old redundant at his cost, but Jones should find a new home for his eighth NFL season.