The Jaguars theoretically have the deepest pockets in free agency this offseason, with more than $80 million to spend under the new salary cap.
And while much of that money likely will eventually be reserved for their young core of emerging players, the treasure trove is growing deeper. The team released guard Zane Beadles and defensive end Chris Clemons on Thursday. Beadles was set to count $5.5 million against the salary cap, though none of the money on his 2016 deal was guaranteed. Clemons had a cap number around $4 million.
Jacksonville signed Beadles to a five-year, $30 million deal back in 2014. Clemons came to Florida on a four-year deal worth $17.5 million.
General manager Dave Caldwell talked at length about the free-agent market at this year's combine and knows he'll have to overpay.
"The nature of free agency is -- you're going to overpay," Caldwell said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. "You want a player? You're going to have to overpay to get him, and that's just the nature of the beast. There's a talent pool, and this year there's a large pool of money, especially in North Florida."
Luckily, there seems to be enough star power to help him build on defense, which is where the Jaguars likely will allocate most of their money. Bruce Irvin is set to be on the open market as are Mario Williams, Malik Jackson, Jason Pierre-Paul and Danny Trevathan.
In the meantime, the team will continue to plan for a future that is looking brighter.
Here are other notable cuts we've been tracking Thursday:
- Baltimore released veteran linebacker Daryl Smith after 48 starts over three seasons with the team, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Albert Breer reported, per a source informed of the team's plans. The Ravens later confirmed Smith's release.
"While we are releasing Daryl, we are not closing the door on the possibility of him returning to the Ravens," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.
The move clears up $2.6 million for a Ravens club that, one week ago, found itself hugging the salary-cap ceiling. Wednesday's three-year extension for quarterback Joe Flacco, though, will provide additional cap help for 2016.
Set to turn 34, Smith struggled last season after two stellar campaigns in Baltimore. His absence creates a need at inside linebacker alongside productive young run-stuffer C.J. Mosley. Smith, the former Jaguars standout, has a shot to latch on elsewhere at an affordable cost.
It won't be the last move for the Ravens, who also hope to re-sign versatile offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele and finesse the cap further ahead of next week's launch to free agency.
Per Rapoport and Breer, the Ravens informed defensive end Chris Canty the team will not be picking up his $2 million option. The team later confirmed the move.
- The Tennessee Titans re-signed running back Antonio Andrews to a one-year deal, the team announced.
Andrews, who played in 14 games last season (10 starts), signed with the club as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Last year, Andrews rushed for a team-best 520 yards and three touchdowns on 143 carries.
Having Andrews back will bode well for the Titans' running back corps. After his breakout season, the running back said he's ready to compete and make an impact this fall.
"This was my first real season, being able to play and not just watch," Andrews told the Titans' official website. "I did everything I wanted to -- I probably didn't put up the numbers I intended, but at the end of the day I took advantage of every opportunity I had to set myself up for the upcoming season."
- The Houston Texansparted ways with running back Arian Foster, tight end Garrett Graham and safety Rahim Moore.
- The Carolina Panthersparted ways with defensive end Charles Johnson. The 29-year-old pass rusher was a candidate for release due to his $15 million salary-cap hit in 2016. In addition, they cut defensive tackle Dwan Edwards and offensive tackle Nate Chandler.
- The San Diego Chargerscut four players: linebacker Donald Butler, running back Donald Brown, and linebackers Kavell Conner and Chi Chi Ariguzo.
