Jacksonville Jaguars release safety Rayshawn Jenkins

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly releasing veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins this week, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. It’s a move that will create $5.428 million in cap space for the Jaguars and raise them into the top 10 in salary cap space for the 2024 season. They can use that space to extend other stars or upgrade via free agency this offseason.

Jenkins was the Jaguars’ third-leading tackler this season as the team finished the regular season 9-8. He tallied 101 total tackles with 66 solo tackles, one sack and seven tackles for loss. He also snagged two interceptions this season.

The 2023 season was Jenkins’ third with Jacksonville. He joined the team in 2021 after spending his first four seasons with the L.A. Chargers. However, he suffered a broken ankle in Week 15 and missed the remainder of his first year with the Jaguars. He then posted a career-high in tackles last season with 116 in 17 games played. Jenkins also had a career-high three interceptions, tying his 2019 total. He scored the first pick-six of his career as well.

A former fourth-round draft pick, Jenkins joined the Jaguars on a four-year, $35 million deal. He played out his four-year rookie deal with the Chargers. He is now headed for free agency and his third team in his eighth season. Jenkins will turn 31 during the 2024 season. So far in his career, Jenkins has 464 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and three forced fumbles.

The Jaguars are also releasing cornerback Darious Williams and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi into free agency before the league new year.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.