Jaguars make two surprising releases

The Jaguars proved they have tremendous early confidence in the 2024 NFL Draft class, making two surprising releases on Tuesday.

Jacksonville announced it is parting ways with veteran wide receiver Zay Jones and kicker Joey Slye.

Jones signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Jaguars in 2022. Over the past two seasons, he's registered 116 catches for 1,144 yards and seven touchdowns.

There was chatter earlier this offseason that the team could move on from him after playing in just nine games in 2023, but those rumors were put to rest when wide receiver Calvin Ridley opted to join the Titans instead of returning to Jacksonville.

It seems, however, that Jones was the odd man out following this year's draft. The Jaguars used their first-round pick (No. 23) to draft LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas Jr. joins a receiving corps that already includes Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, who just signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the team in free agency.

Jones offers great value for teams seeking a low-cost veteran who can provide immediate help on the outside.

As for Slye, he just joined Jacksonville on a one-year deal in March. In 2023, he had a 79.2 percent field goal percentage and 91.4 percent extra point percentage with the Commanders.

Like Jones, Slye is now the odd man out following the draft. The Jaguars selected Arkansas kicker Cam Little in the sixth round (No. 212) and clearly believe he is the position's future.

Little is the most accurate kicker in Arkansas history, making 82.8 percent of his attempts (53 of 64) in his three-year career. He also never missed a PAT (129 for 129).

Slye should find his new home fairly quickly since it is difficult to find reliable kickers.