Who Are the Jaguars’ 10 Biggest Cap Hits for 2024 Before Free Agency?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of work to do over the coming months.
From looming decisions on key free agents, to determining which contracts should stay or go, to trying to find out ways to improve the roster after a disappointing season, there is no shortage of questions facing the Jaguars.
But before free agency begins and the Jaguars begin to change their roster, it is worth taking a look at which players are currently projected to be the most expensive in 2024. Some of these players will remain and some will not, and these cap hits will be a large reason why.
Note: if/when Josh Allen is franchise-tagged, his hit will be between $20,205,000 and $22,748,000, depending on whether he is classified as an outside linebacker or as a defensive end. In either event, Allen will be one of the five biggest current cap hits on the roster.
1) WR Christian Kirk ($24,236,932)
The biggest cap hit for 2024 is wide receiver Christian Kirk, who will be entering the third year of his four-year, $72 million deal. Kirk led the Jaguars in all major receiving categories in 2022 and was on track to do it again in 2023 before an injury caused him to miss most of the final six games.
2) RG Brandon Scherff ($23,908,184)
Age and price is a big reason many have Brandon Scherff as a projected cap casualty this offseason. His cap hit is set to increase by $13 million compared to the 2023 season.
3) ILB Foyesade Oluokun ($21,750,668)
One of the biggest cap hits at the inside linebacker position today, Foyesade Oluokun is in the final year of his three-year deal and is seeing his cap hit increase by almost $15 million compared to a year ago.
4) LT Cam Robinson ($21,109,473)
Cam Robinson is a big question mark this offseason considering his recent history of injuries and just how much the Jaguars could save if he is released. Robinson is in the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2022.
5) DL Foley Fatukasi ($12,808,334)
It is a bit surprising to see defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi this high, but that is the reality after the Jaguars signed him to a three-year deal in 2022. Fatukasi has dealt with injuries at times, but the production has yet to match this figure.
6) S Rayshawn Jenkins ($12,284,000)
Entering the final year of a four-year deal he signed in 2021, there seems to be a real chance the Jaguars move on from Rayshawn Jenkins for cap-related reasons this offseason. If they don't, he will see his cap hit more than double.
7) QB Trevor Lawrence ($11,707,019)
Trevor Lawrence is entering one of the final years of his rookie deal in 2024. Sooner than later, the Jaguars will have to make decisions on a fifth-year option and a potential long-term deal for Lawrence.
8) WR Zay Jones ($11,017,334)
One of several players on this list who is entering the final year of a free-agency deal he signed, Zay Jones will see his cap hit double in 2024. Jones dealt with injuries for all of 2023 but was a key piece of the passing game in his first year with the team.
9) CB Darious Williams ($10,500,000)
While the Jaguars would save over $10 million if they release Williams, he had a strong enough season in 2023 to indicate the franchise could want him to remain in place. Williams will be entering the final year of a three-year deal he signed in 2022.
10) EDGE Travon Walker ($10,192,534)
The No. 1 pick in 2022, Travon Walker will be entering the third year of his rookie deal. If Walker has a repeat of his 2023 season -- when he recorded 10 sacks and took a clear step forward -- then next year could be a time where the Jaguars talk about a potential long-term deal for Walker.