Jacksonville, Florida, January 17, 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ successful season leads to potential departures of key players, impacting their future roster. Linebacker Devin Lloyd may command a salary out of reach, while offensive lineman Tyler Shatley just announced his retirement. Others like Chandler Brayboy, Jerome Carvin, and John Copenhaver face uncertain futures as the team assesses its roster for continued success. The franchise must navigate these decisions carefully to stay competitive in the upcoming seasons.
Jacksonville, Florida – Potential Departures of Key Jaguars Players
As the Jacksonville Jaguars reflect on their successful 2025 season, which included a 13-4 record and an AFC South title, the team faces critical decisions regarding several key players who may have played their final games with the organization. These potential departures could significantly impact the team’s future roster and performance.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd
Linebacker Devin Lloyd emerged as a standout defender in 2025, showcasing exceptional leadership and skill. However, his impressive performance has likely increased his market value, potentially pricing him out of the Jaguars’ budget. Lloyd is expected to command a salary of at least $17.5 million per year, a figure that may be beyond the team’s financial reach. This situation suggests that Lloyd could be playing his final season with Jacksonville.
Offensive Lineman Tyler Shatley
Veteran offensive lineman Tyler Shatley announced his retirement from the NFL on January 5, 2025, following the Jaguars’ 26–23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18. Shatley had been a consistent presence on the Jaguars’ offensive line, contributing significantly to the team’s success over the years. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Jaguars’ offensive line.
Wide Receiver Chandler Brayboy
Wide receiver Chandler Brayboy joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. Despite his potential, Brayboy was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. He was subsequently signed to the practice squad on August 27, 2025. On January 12, 2026, Brayboy signed a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the upcoming season.
Offensive Tackle Jerome Carvin
Offensive tackle Jerome Carvin has had a tumultuous tenure with the Jaguars. After signing with the team on November 12, 2024, he was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. Carvin re-signed with the practice squad the following day. On January 12, 2026, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars, suggesting that the team may be considering him for a more prominent role in the future.
Tight End John Copenhaver
Tight end John Copenhaver joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. Copenhaver was subsequently signed to the practice squad on August 27, 2025. His future with the team remains uncertain, as he continues to develop and await potential opportunities for promotion to the active roster.
Long Snapper Ross Matiscik
Long snapper Ross Matiscik has been a reliable component of the Jaguars’ special teams unit. He signed a five-year, $5.965 million contract extension with the team on April 29, 2022, securing his position through the 2026 season. Matiscik’s consistent performance has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, underscoring his value to the team.
Offensive Lineman Ben Bartch
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch, selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jaguars, has faced challenges in securing a consistent role on the team. After starting as the left guard in 2022, Bartch suffered a dislocated knee in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2022. He returned as the starting left guard in 2023 but was benched in Week 4. Bartch was waived on October 31, 2023, after the Jaguars traded for Ezra Cleveland. He was re-signed to the practice squad on November 3, 2023. His future with the team remains uncertain as the Jaguars evaluate their offensive line options.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars are at a crossroads, facing potential departures of several key players who have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. Decisions regarding these players will significantly influence the team’s roster composition and performance in the upcoming seasons. The organization must carefully assess each situation to maintain competitiveness and continue building on their achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Devin Lloyd, and why might he leave the Jaguars?
Devin Lloyd is a linebacker who had an outstanding 2025 season with the Jaguars. His exceptional performance has likely increased his market value, potentially pricing him out of the Jaguars’ budget. He is expected to command a salary of at least $17.5 million per year, which may be beyond the team’s financial reach, suggesting he could be playing his final season with Jacksonville.
What is the status of Chandler Brayboy with the Jaguars?
Chandler Brayboy joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. Despite his potential, Brayboy was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. He was subsequently signed to the practice squad on August 27, 2025. On January 12, 2026, Brayboy signed a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the upcoming season.
What is the future of offensive lineman Jerome Carvin with the Jaguars?
Offensive lineman Jerome Carvin has had a tumultuous tenure with the Jaguars. After signing with the team on November 12, 2024, he was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. Carvin re-signed with the practice squad the following day. On January 12, 2026, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars, suggesting that the team may be considering him for a more prominent role in the future.
Has tight end John Copenhaver been active with the Jaguars?
Tight end John Copenhaver joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the final roster cuts. Copenhaver was subsequently signed to the practice squad on August 27, 2025. His future with the team remains uncertain, as he continues to develop and await potential opportunities for promotion to the active roster.
What is the status of long snapper Ross Matiscik with the Jaguars?
Long snapper Ross Matiscik has been a reliable component of the Jaguars’ special teams unit. He signed a five-year, $5.965 million contract extension with the team on April 29, 2022, securing his position through the 2026 season. Matiscik’s consistent performance has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, underscoring his value to the team.
What is the future of offensive lineman Ben Bartch with the Jaguars?
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch, selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jaguars, has faced challenges in securing a consistent role on the team. After starting as the left guard in 2022, Bartch suffered a dislocated knee in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2022. He returned as the starting left guard in 2023 but was benched in Week 4. Bartch was waived on October 31, 2023, after the Jaguars traded for Ezra Cleveland. He was re-signed to the practice squad on November 3, 2023. His future with the team remains uncertain as the Jaguars evaluate their offensive line options.
Key Features of the Article
| Player | Position | Potential Departure | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Lloyd | Linebacker | Possible | Increased market value; expected salary of at least $17.5 million per year |
| Tyler Shatley | Offensive Lineman | Retired | Announced retirement on January 5, 2025, after the Jaguars’ Week 18 loss to the Colts |
| Chandler Brayboy | Wide Receiver | Possible | Signed reserve/future contract on January 12, 2026, indicating potential future role |
| Jerome Carvin | Offensive Tackle | Possible | Signed reserve/future contract on January 12, 2026, suggesting consideration for more prominent role |
| John Copenhaver | Tight End | Possible | Waived and signed to practice squad; future remains uncertain |
| Ross Matiscik | Long Snapper | Not Departing | Signed contract extension through 2026; multiple Pro Bowl selections |
| Ben Bartch | Offensive Lineman | Possible | Past injuries and lack of consistent playing time raise uncertainty |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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