Jaguars cut veteran cornerback Darious Williams to create $11.5 million in cap space
Tue, Mar 5, 2024
NFL News (AP)
The Jacksonville Jaguars cut veteran cornerback Darious Williams on Tuesday to create $11.5 million in salary cap space.
Williams, who started 30 games over the last two seasons in Jacksonville, was due to make $9 million in 2024 and count $12 million against the cap. The Jaguars will take on $500,000 in dead money while saving $11.5 million this season.
The additional cap space will help the Jaguars bring back pass rusher Josh Allen and potentially re-sign receiver Calvin Ridley and left guard Ezra Cleveland.
The move also sends a clear sign that Jacksonville will be in the market for a cornerback in free agency next week and probably in the NFL draft next month. Fellow starting cornerback Tyson Campbell is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Williams finished with 53 tackles and four interceptions last season, but the Jaguars are switching to a scheme that calls for more man-to-man coverage under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. That change coupled with Williams' production and salary made him expendable at age 31.
Williams signed a three-year, $30 million deal in 2022 that included $18 million guaranteed. He notched 106 tackles, five interceptions and two forced fumbles with Jacksonville. He previously played four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
The move came a day after the Jaguars cleared $3.5 million in cap space by releasing veteran defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.
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