Mon Mar 10 14:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Jaguars Make Major Roster Moves, Spark Fan Debate
**JACKSONVILLE, FL** – The Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant roster changes ahead of the 2025 NFL season, releasing several key players and trading others, sparking a mixed reaction from fans. The moves, announced late last week, include the release of tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Josh Reynolds, and the reported trade of wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft. Center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement, and cornerback Ronald Darby and wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay are also reportedly set for release.
The departures of popular players like Engram and Kirk have drawn the most criticism, with many fans expressing disappointment. However, team writer John Oehser points out that these changes come after a 4-13 season and a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and front office. This necessitates a significant roster shake-up to reflect the new team direction.
Oehser addressed fan concerns regarding the team’s salary cap, clarifying that the Jaguars are projected to have approximately $60.2 million in cap space for 2025, despite a significant dead cap of $58.8 million. He also explained that released players do not count towards compensatory draft picks, a point of confusion for some fans.
The team’s strategy of moving on from players who were injured or unproductive last season, including Engram and Kirk, is viewed by Oehser as a necessary step to rebuild and focus on the future. While acknowledging the reliance on free agency in the past, Oehser expressed hope that future draft success will reduce the team’s dependence on free agent signings.
While some fans express concern about the team’s rebuilding phase and the potential impact on the upcoming season, Oehser highlights the potential of younger players like Brenton Strange and Parker Washington to step up and fill the void left by the departing veterans. He also emphasizes the importance of the team’s high draft pick and the new coaching staff’s vision for the future. The article concludes with discussions of fan perspectives on tanking, the team’s need for offensive line improvements, and the upcoming draft strategy.