In a series of strategic changes, the Jacksonville Jaguars are making significant roster adjustments as part of a transformation under new head coach Liam Coen. The franchise has announced its decision to release two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram, along with returner and receiver Devin Duvernay, as well as cornerback Ronald Darby.
A source close to the situation, who remained anonymous because the moves aren’t officially public yet, shared that these releases align with the team’s ongoing efforts to refine their offensive strategy.
Evan Engram, who is 30 years old, will be parting ways with the Jaguars in a move that will create nearly $6 million in salary cap space for the 2025 season, albeit incurring $13.5 million in dead money. Engram joined the team three years ago, initially signing a one-year contract before extending it to a three-year, $41.25 million deal. Throughout the previous season, Engram faced injuries, missing several games due to shoulder and hamstring issues, eventually finishing with 47 receptions for 365 yards and one touchdown in 2024. Over his eight-season career in the NFL, Engram has recorded 496 catches, totaling 4,922 yards with 25 touchdowns.
Devin Duvernay, aged 27, is also set to leave, offering the Jaguars another $2.7 million in savings against the cap in 2025, with a dead money charge of $1.2 million. Duvernay joined on a two-year contract last year but found limited opportunities on the field, with only 19 punt returns for 167 yards and 14 kickoff returns for 351 yards. Similarly, Ronald Darby, at 31, brought little impact to the defense last season, as he started 12 games before being benched. Releasing him will save Jacksonville $2.4 million, accompanied by a dead money hit of $2.75 million.
In conjunction with these roster cuts, the Jaguars have agreed to trade receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans, securing a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 as part of the deal. Additionally, veteran center Mitch Morse has declared his retirement after a 10-year career.
These roster changes highlight a period of transition for Jacksonville as they look to rebound from investments in previous acquisitions that did not yield anticipated returns. GM Trent Baalke’s final free-agent class, which saw the team commit over $130 million, including more than $75 million guaranteed, hasn’t paid off as expected. Players from this class included defensive lineman Arik Armstead, receiver Gabe Davis, and safety Darnell Savage, with half of that group now no longer part of the team.
