Jaguars Face Defensive Roster Overhaul Amid Cap Crunch

Bleacher Report warns of potential nightmare scenario if Jacksonville can't retain key defensive pieces.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing a challenging offseason as they look to defend their AFC South division title. According to a Bleacher Report analysis, the team's biggest concern is replenishing a defense that could see significant turnover, with several key contributors set to hit free agency. The Jaguars are also projected to be over the salary cap, making it difficult to retain all their defensive starters.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' defense was a key factor in their playoff berth last season, but the potential loss of players like Devin Lloyd, Montaric Brown, and others could lead to a step back for the unit. The team's cap situation also complicates their ability to address these needs through free agency, putting pressure on their draft capital to find solutions.

The details

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox highlighted the Jaguars' defensive free agents, including Devin Lloyd, Andrew Wingard, Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell, Dennis Gardeck, and Greg Newsome II. The team is projected to be $9.2 million over the salary cap, making it difficult to retain all of these players. While the return of Travis Hunter should help, the Jaguars will need to find a way to clear cap space, re-sign key defenders, and add more impact players to the defense, all without the benefit of a first-round pick.

  • The Jaguars are scheduled to be free agents in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A key defensive contributor for the Jaguars, Lloyd is scheduled to be a free agent in 2026 and is valued at $20 million per year by Spotrac.

Montaric Brown

Another important defensive player for the Jaguars, Brown is also set to hit free agency in 2026 and is valued at $9 million per year by Spotrac.

James Gladstone

The Jaguars' general manager, who must find a way to clear cap space, retain key defenders, and add more impact players to the defense.

Anthony Campanile

The Jaguars' defensive coordinator, who will be tasked with getting the most out of the team's defensive roster amid the potential turnover.

Kristopher Knox

The Bleacher Report writer who outlined the Jaguars' potential defensive nightmare scenario.

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What they’re saying

“Defensive contributors like Devin Lloyd, Andrew Wingard, Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell, Dennis Gardeck, and Greg Newsome II are all scheduled to be free agents. Jacksonville is projected to be roughly $9.2 million over the salary cap.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“Getting receiver/corner Travis Hunter back and healthy should help the defense. However, general manager James Gladstone must find a way to clear cap space, retain a couple of key defenders, and add more impact players—without the benefit of a first-round pick. Otherwise, the Jags will be in real danger of a serious 2026 regression.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to make difficult decisions in the offseason to address their defensive roster and salary cap challenges. They may need to prioritize retaining players like Devin Lloyd and Montaric Brown, while also exploring ways to clear cap space and add impact players through the draft.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' defensive success in 2025 was a key factor in their playoff run, but the potential loss of several starters and the team's salary cap constraints could lead to a significant step back for the unit in 2026. The team's ability to navigate these roster and financial challenges will be crucial to their chances of defending their division title.