Just hours after learning he was no longer part of the team’s plans, a Jaguars star arrested for public disorder while intoxicated — Jacksonville’s actions redefine the meaning of “family” in the NFL

Just hours after being informed that he was no longer part of the team’s long-term plans and was likely to depart in the near future, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Chuma Edoga was arrested in downtown Jacksonville on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting law enforcement. The incident was handled quietly but sent shockwaves internally, coming at a time when the Jaguars are facing difficult decisions to balance the salary cap for the 2026 offseason.

According to local sources, the incident occurred on the evening of January 6, 2026, just hours after an internal discussion earlier that afternoon. Witnesses said Edoga appeared visibly upset, emotionally shaken, and under the influence of alcohol in a crowded area of Jacksonville. Following a brief altercation, police were called to the scene. Upon arrival, Edoga was reportedly resistant to being restrained, leading to multiple charges, although no serious injuries were reported.

NFL PLayer Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct pic.twitter.com/J4ENvXpp2K

— Recaps News (@TTrieu54261) December 31, 2025

From a football standpoint, Edoga remains on the Jaguars’ active 53-man roster and has not been cut or waived. He signed a two-year contract worth approximately $7 million in March 2025 and has been used as a depth piece on the offensive line in a swing tackle/guard role. During the 2025 season, Edoga appeared in roughly six to eight games with limited snaps, made no official starts, and suffered a calf injury in November that left him inactive for several games down the stretch. Due to his low snap count, he did not qualify for a full PFF grade.

The financial backdrop adds another layer to the situation. Jacksonville is currently slightly over the cap for the 2026 season, forcing the organization to create space through cuts, restructures, or by letting free agents walk. Within that context, Edoga has been viewed as one of the most likely cap-casualty candidates if the team needs to free up roughly $3 million with minimal dead money. Notably, multiple sources indicate this information was leaked internally, was not officially announced by the team, and has not been heavily pushed by major media outlets during this sensitive period.

The defining element of the story lies in the Jaguars’ response. Through head coach Liam Coen, the organization delivered a message centered on humanity over the standings. “This is a very difficult situation. Chuma has worked hard for this organization. As soon as we became aware of what happened, we reached out to offer support — both legal and emotional,” Coen said.

Edoga was held overnight and released on bail the following morning. The case remains under investigation, with a court appearance expected later this month. In an unforgiving NFL, where personnel decisions can push players into an emotional void within hours, Jacksonville’s response sent a clear message. “Family means standing by one another when things are at their hardest,” Coen emphasized — a rare definition of “family” in the world of professional football.