Jaguars to Shake Up Roster: Key Trades Looming Ahead of 2025 Season

Jaguars to Shake Up Roster: Key Trades Looming Ahead of 2025 Season

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the thick of finalizing their 53-man roster ahead of the fast-approaching cutdown deadline. With general manager James Gladstone at the helm, the team’s strategy involves carefully evaluating their player options, including potential trade possibilities. The upcoming roster adjustments could mean significant changes as they look to balance talent with depth across various positions.

Among the players drawing considerable attention on the trade market is rookie running back Tank Bigsby. SI.com reports that the Jaguars are eyeing rookie talents Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., raising questions about Bigsby’s secure spot on the roster. While he has shown promise as a pure rusher and is notably younger and less expensive than his counterpart Travis Etienne, he struggles with passing downs, impacting the team’s overall scheme flexibility. Head coach Liam Coen emphasized the need for Bigsby to sharpen his skills in blitz protection and reading defenses.

Challenging Waters for Chad Muma

Another potential trade candidate is linebacker Chad Muma, who has had a tough preseason, including a dismal showing against the Dolphins where he missed three tackles. Muma now finds himself lower on the depth chart, overshadowed by strong performances from players like Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd. Although he was a former top-100 draft pick, Muma’s value in trades may only attract late-round picks from interested teams.

Adding to the crowded safety position, Antonio Johnson’s future also looks uncertain. Black and Teal mentions that with the emergence of rookie safety Rayuan Lane and the presence of Andrew Wingard and Darnell Savage, it might be necessary to let one of the current safeties go to retain valuable rookie talent. Johnson’s defense may not measure up to his teammates, diminishing his role on special teams and potentially rendering him a trade candidate as well.

Making Moves: Recent Roster Changes

The Jaguars have also been active in reshaping their roster through recent signings and waivers. As reported by the official Jaguars website, four players have been involved in roster moves. OL Jerome Carvin, who’s been through a whirlwind of practice squads in his career, including stints with the Chiefs and Bears, has now found a place on the Jaguars’ roster. He brings significant experience with 60 games played during his college years and exceptional skills that reduced his sacks allowed to just two in his last 26 matches.

Running back Kevin Harris, who also has a storied background as a former sixth-round pick, adds depth to the running back room. His collegiate success at the University of South Carolina will be an asset as the Jaguars navigate through their running back crowd, which currently includes notable players like Etienne and potential factors like Tuten.

With less than a week remaining before the final cuts, the Jaguars remain poised to make significant decisions that could reshape their lineup for the 2025 season. Every trade whisper and waiver decision will be closely watched, as fans eagerly anticipate how these moves will influence the team’s future.