Jaguars Free Up $21 Million in Cap Space Without Cutting a Single Player – GM James Gladstone’s “Genius” Plan Redefines How the NFL Operates

Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for a crucial 2026 season, and GM James Gladstone has devised a “genius” financial strategy that could free up $21 million in cap space without cutting a single key player. This smart maneuver helps the Jaguars maintain the strength of their roster while providing ample financial flexibility for the future.

To achieve this, the Jaguars will restructure the contracts of high-salary players, including Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead. By converting portions of their salaries into prorated signing bonuses for the 2026 season, the team can save $5.1 million from Hines-Allen and $10.4 million from Armstead, significantly reducing financial pressure and creating room to strengthen the roster.

With Hines-Allen's cap hit dropping from $23.4 million to $18.3 million, and Armstead's cap hit going from $19.4 million to $9 million, the Jaguars gain substantial financial flexibility. This adjustment not only relieves the salary cap burden but also opens up the possibility of signing quality players to improve the team’s depth.

In addition to these restructures, the Jaguars may explore trading players with big contracts, such as DaVon Hamilton, whose contract is set to hit $12.4 million in 2026. Trading Hamilton could provide additional cap space while allowing the team to avoid cutting key contributors to their defense.

This plan from GM James Gladstone will ensure that the Jaguars have enough financial space to retain key defensive pillars like Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne, and Brian Thomas Jr. These players are crucial for maintaining defensive depth and offensive balance, allowing the Jaguars to remain competitive as they move into the 2026 season.

“We can free up a significant amount of cap space without cutting any key players,” Gladstone shared. “This strategy allows us to prepare for the upcoming season without making tough decisions about roster cuts. It’s a smart financial move for the future of the team.”

The salary cap issue is no longer a major concern for the Jaguars. With this intelligent and flexible approach, the team can not only retain a strong roster but also make bold moves in free agency, enhancing their depth and competitiveness. With these financial adjustments, the Jaguars are ready to make a push for the Super Bowl 2026, building on a solid foundation for the future.