Jaguars reportedly make surprising decision on linebacker Myles Jack

The Jacksonville Jaguars spent big on Monday, which was the first day teams were allowed to negotiate with free agents around the NFL. Now, the Jaguars have made a surprising decision on star linebacker Myles Jack. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jack will be hitting the free agent market.

“After Monday’s spending spree, the Jaguars are releasing LB Myles Jack, per source,” tweeted Schefter. “Jack led the Jaguars in tackles last season with 108.”

Jack first entered the league in 2016, when the Jaguars selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Since entering the league, Jack has been a steady force in the middle of the Jaguars defense.

In six seasons with the Jaguars, Jack has totaled 513 combined tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, 15 passes defended, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. This past season, Jack led the team with 108 tackles, and he also posted three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.

In September of 2019, the Jaguars signed Jack to a four-year, $57 million contract extension. But now, he will hit the free agent market a little earlier than he anticipated. He will undoubtedly have a line of suitors on the open market, and the Jaguars will now have to find a way to replace him on the defensive side of the ball.

Cutting Jack, who is just 26 years old, will save the Jaguars over $8 million against the salary cap next season.

The Jaguars spending spree that led to Jack’s release

The Jaguars were definitely the NFL’s biggest spender on Monday, as Jacksonville signed five different players to substantial contracts. In all likelihood, the spending spree, which involved signing another linebacker, likely played a role in Jack’s release.

The biggest deal of the day for the Jaguars was with former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk. Jacksonville signed Kirk to a four-year, $72 million deal that could be worth up to more than $80 million. The Jaguars also signed offensive guard Brandon Scherff to a three-year, $49.5 million deal and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun to a three-year, $45 million deal.

Additionally, the Jaguars signed wide receiver Zay Jones to a three-year, $24 million contract and tight end Evan Engram to a one-year, $9 million deal.