Jaguars Release DL Nick Thurman to Open Roster Spot For Dawuane Smoot

Jaguars Release DL Nick Thurman to Open Roster Spot For Dawuane Smoot

The Jacksonville Jaguars officially announced the re-signing of veteran defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday. To make room for Smoot's return, the Jaguars released defensive lineman Nick Thurman.

Thurman was signed to the Jaguars' practice squad last September, where he remained for the entirety of the 2022 season. Thurman spent the offseason program with the Jaguars after signing a Reserve/Futures contract.

The deal, which is worth a max value of $6.25M and comes with $3.25M in guarantees, keeps Smoot in Jacksonville after he spent the offseason as a free-agent. Smoot was set to visit with the Baltimore Ravens but will instead remain in Jacksonville. 

Smoot suffered a season-ending Achilles injury vs. the New York Jets in Week 16, leading to the former third-round pick using the offseason to attack rehab as he prepares for the 2023 season.

A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smoot appeared in 90 games for the Jaguars over the past six seasons, recording 22.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. One of the best developmental stories in recent Jaguars history, Smoot was able to become one of the Jaguars' most reliable pass-rushers in recent seasons as he transitioned to more of an inside/outside role that saw him line up in multiple positions.

At the time of his Achilles injury against the New York Jets in Week 16, Smoot was second on the team in pressures, fourth in quarterback hits, first in sacks, and second in pass-rush win rate. He recorded five sacks in each of the last four seasons, recording 22.5 sacks in that span and often looking like Jacksonville's most consistent pass-rusher.