JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After a successful 10-year NFL career, Jacksonville Jaguars center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement. Morse, aged 32, concludes his tenure in professional football with nearly a hundred victories, having significantly contributed during his stints with Kansas City and Buffalo.
Morse had one more year left on a $10.5 million contract, which he signed last year during free agency. If he had remained with Jacksonville, he would have impacted their salary cap with a $5.4 million charge in 2025.
Reflecting on his career, Morse expressed, “The relationships and bonds I formed with my teammates, both on and off the field, are what I will cherish the most. These moments are irreplaceable, and I will miss them deeply.”
The Chiefs originally drafted Morse in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent four years with Kansas City and then five years with the Buffalo Bills before joining Jacksonville. Morse was particularly motivated to play under his former coach, Doug Pederson, which was a key factor in his decision to sign with the Jaguars.
However, Pederson was dismissed in January, paving the way for Jacksonville to appoint former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach.
With Morse’s retirement, the Jaguars face the pressing task of finding a new center as they gear up for free agency. The team had previously selected Luke Fortner in the third round of the 2022 draft, although they brought in Morse to strengthen a perceived weak link in their offensive line. The Jaguars might also consider utilizing one of their 10 picks in the upcoming NFL draft to fill the position.
In his farewell statement, Morse extended his gratitude to his former teams and family and remarked that he looks forward to enjoying more family time as he begins his retirement journey. Throughout his career, he started all 156 games, including 13 playoff appearances, amassing a career record of 98-58, with a 92-51 record in regular-season play.
Morse’s exit coincides with additional challenges for the Jaguars, who might need to fill two starting positions on their offensive line. Right guard Brandon Scherff is entering free agency, while receiver Christian Kirk was informed of his impending release prior to the start of the new league year.
