Jaguars Decide to Release Starting DT on His Birthday

The veteran turned 29 on Monday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars decided Monday to release starting defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. To make matters worse, the news comes on Fatukasi’s birthday. 

Fatukasi, now 29, has been one of the Jaguars’ starting defensive tackles for the past two seasons, ever since signing a three-year deal potentially worth $30 million back in March 2022. Monday’s move saves Jacksonville $3.5 million in cap space. He didn’t register a sack this past season despite starting in 16 games. He did log two quarterback hits and 24 total tackles, though. 

The news couldn’t have arrived at a more awkward time. The Jaguars’ official account on X, formerly Twitter, wished Fatukasi a happy birthday just two hours before the reports of his release started breaking. 

Happy birthday, 94! 🎉@FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/P0SyWYuZJB

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 4, 2024

In six NFL seasons with the New York Jets and the Jaguars, Fatukasi has logged 4 1/2 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in 75 games. He originally was a sixth-round draft pick from Connecticut by the Jets in 2018.