Zay Jones’ future with the Jacksonville Jaguars was never definite, and many speculated that the receiver may be traded on draft night.
When the draft came and went and Jones remained on the roster, it was assumed that his future in Jacksonville was set.
A few days later, however, something unexpected occurred. Jones was released along with kicker Joey Slye on April 30, two days after the NFL Draft. Jones was entering his final year of a three-year, $24 million contract with the Jaguars.
The wideout made 116 receptions for 1,144 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during his two seasons with the team. In 2022, the former second-round pick helped the Jaguars to a career-high 823 yards came in 2022, as the former second-rounder helped the Jaguars to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
The following year, Jones’ production was hampered due to injuries that kept him out of eight games. Jones ended up with only 321 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Jones and Jacksonville faced new challenges after Calvin Ridley left in free agency. Even after adding Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay, the Jaguars lacked a genuine No. 1 receiver.
As a result, Jacksonville’s 2024 first-round focus has shifted to getting Trevor Lawrence’s new top target. Brian Thomas Jr. arrived, and Jones left a few days later.
The Jaguars receivers room is now headlined by Christian Kirk and the three newcomers: Davis, Thomas, and Duvernay.
Approaching his eighth season in the league, Jones searches for a new team while the Jaguars save $4.18 million and sacrifice $6.57 in dead cap money.
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