5 Jaguars players whose contracts say the quiet part out loud for 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars dealt with a cap crunch early in the offseason but managed to get out of it by restructuring several contracts. The team's brass has since handed out several extensions and could get a few more done in the remainder of 2026. Wide receiver Parker Washington is arguably the most obvious candidate to get a new deal, but he's far from the only one.

Several notable Jacksonville players are entering contract years, and a few others may need to show out next season if they don't want to become cap casualties in 2027.

With this in mind, here are five Jaguars who could be playing for their future next season.

Patrick Mekari, Jaguars offensive lineman

The Jaguars spared no expense to beef up the offensive line in 2025, signing Patrick Mekari to a three-year deal $37.5 million. One of his biggest strengths during his six-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens was his ability to play up positions across the line of scrimmage, but Jacksonville brougth him in to play right guard. It didn't go great.

Mekari struggled and dealt with injuries late in 2025. Couple that with the fact that he was absent for a few practices in the offseason program, and he could lose his job to sophomore Wyatt Milam. If that's the outcome, the Jags may not hesitate to move on from him next year and free up a bit over $13 million in space.

DaVon Hamilton, Jaguars defensive tackle

DaVon Hamilton was one of the best picks of what was otherwise an underwhelming 2020 draft class. He's become a mainstay of the defensive line and earned a three-year extension worth $34.5 million in 2023. After a pair of underwhelming seasons, Ham managed to bounce back in 2025. He's now entering a contract year and may need to prove that he deserves to stay beyond 2026.

That may turn out to be a challenging task when you take into account that rookie Albert Regis could be his potential replacement. On top of that, Jacksonville traded for Ruke Orhorhoro. With those two in the mix, Hamilton may not return to Duval in 2026.

Eric Murray, Jaguars safety

The Jaguars got underwhelming play from their safety group in 2025, so they inked Eric Murray to bring stability at the position. The veteran delivered in his first season in Duval, but he could be at risk of losing his job next season.

While Antonio Johnson is firmly entrenched as the starter next to him, Caleb Ransaw may steal Murray's job at some point in 2026.

If Murray loses his job, he could still provide depth in 2026, but next year could be a whole different deal. Jacksonville could free up nearly $4 million if he's released. That kind of cap relief could come in handy.

Robert Hainsey, Jaguars offensive lineman

By now, you have noticed that some of the players on this list aren't entering contract years but may instead be cap casualties next season. Robert Hainsey replaced Mitch Morse, who retired after 2024.

Hainsey played well in 2025, but sophomore Jonah Monheim could make a strong impression in training camp and take over at center. Of course, Hainsey won't just give away his job, but he was already benched when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A second time wouldn't be shocking with Monheim lurking behind.

Releasing Hainsey would free up $3.9 million, which is more than enough to give it a thought if he underperforms in 2026.

Jourdan Lewis, Jaguars cornerback

The Jaguars did a good job of raising the team's floor in 2025, bringing in veterans such as Jourdan Lewis to address key roster needs. The team's brass is now trying to raise the ceiling.

Lewis made an impact right off the bat, both on and off the field. The issue is that the Jaguars have bolstered the cornerback room since his arrival. While the former Michigan Wolverine offers flexibility, Jarrian Jones showed notable improvement in 2025 and may supplant him as the primary nickel next season.

if Jones moves up the depth chart, the Jags could afford to move on from Lewis next season and create a bit over $3 million in space.

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This article was originally published on blackandteal.com as 5 Jaguars players whose contracts say the quiet part out loud for 2026.