Jaguars Face Tough Roster Decisions Ahead of 2026 Offseason

Defending AFC South champions must make difficult cuts to stay under salary cap

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing tough roster decisions as they enter the 2026 offseason. After a historic 13-4 season that saw them capture the AFC South title, the team is now projected to be roughly $13.9 million over the salary cap. General Manager James Gladstone must make difficult choices to trim veteran contracts and create financial flexibility, while still preserving the core of the team and its Super Bowl aspirations.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' 2025 season was a remarkable turnaround, going from 4-13 the previous year to 13-4 and an AFC South title. However, the team's success has created salary cap challenges, forcing them to make tough decisions on veteran players in order to retain their young stars and address roster needs. These cuts could have a significant impact on the team's ability to sustain their championship-level performance.

The details

The Jaguars are projected to be roughly $13.9 million over the salary cap entering the 2026 offseason. This means they will need to trim veteran contracts, with three key players potentially on the chopping block: defensive tackle Arik Armstead, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and offensive lineman Patrick Mekari. Armstead's contract structure makes him the most consequential decision, as a post-June 1 designation could clear $14.4 million in cap space. Oluokun is a respected veteran and leader, but at 31 years old, the team may opt to get younger at the position. Mekari provided depth and versatility, but the Jaguars may prefer to invest in a more dominant starter on the interior offensive line.

  • The Jaguars' 2025 season was a historic turnaround, going from 4-13 the previous year to 13-4 and an AFC South title.
  • The Jaguars' playoff run ended in heartbreak, losing to the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the Wild Card round.

The players

James Gladstone

The Jacksonville Jaguars' General Manager, who must make difficult roster decisions to create salary cap flexibility while preserving the team's core talent and Super Bowl aspirations.

Arik Armstead

A 33-year-old defensive tackle for the Jaguars, whose contract structure makes him a potential cap casualty despite his veteran presence and 5.5 sacks in 2025.

Foyesade Oluokun

A 31-year-old linebacker and emotional leader of the Jaguars' defense, who may be released due to age and contract considerations despite his importance to the team.

Patrick Mekari

An offensive lineman signed to provide depth and versatility, but whose 'adequate' performance may not justify his salary, leading the Jaguars to potentially release him and invest in a more dominant starter.

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What they’re saying

“Winning changes everything, especially the math. A resurgent 13-win season reestablished the Jacksonville Jaguars as a legitimate AFC contender. As such, the franchise now faces the inevitable consequence of success: cap strain.”

— Enzo Flojo

What’s next

The Jaguars must make their roster decisions before the start of the 2026 NFL season, with the team needing to create salary cap space to retain their young stars and address other roster needs.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' 2025 season was a remarkable turnaround, but their success has created salary cap challenges that will force the team to make difficult roster decisions. Trimming veteran contracts like Arik Armstead, Foyesade Oluokun, and Patrick Mekari will be crucial for the Jaguars to maintain their championship-level performance and continue their Super Bowl aspirations.