Doug Pederson’s Jaguars Job Status Could Be Tied To Week 11 Performance?
Throughout the season, the future of Doug Pederson in Jacksonville has been a talking point. The Jaguars experienced a nosedive to close out the 2023 campaign and missed the playoffs as a result. 2024 has not gone according to plan either, leading to continued rumblings about a coaching change. 
Owner Shad Khan gave a vote of confidence to both Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke last month, but the team has dropped to 2-8 since. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is set to miss his second straight game due to injury, and it remains to be seen when he will be available for the Jags. In the meantime, a matchup against the NFC-leading Lions is on tap. A loss is therefore expected on Jacksonville’s part, and a lopsided defeat could be key in determining Pederson’s status.
Veteran insider Josina Anderson reports Khan’s preference would, to no surprise, be to wait until the end of the campaign to make a decision on Pederson and/or Baalke’s job security. She adds, however, that a blowout loss in Week 11 would leave a mid-season firing on the table. A coaching change would not spark a push to the playoffs to close out the 2024 campaign, but it would bring Pederson’s tenure to an end amidst a poor run of form across two years. Overall, the former Eagles Super Bowl winner sits at 20-24 with the Jags.
Six of Jacksonville’s eight losses this year have come in one-score games, something which could help Pederson’s chances of at least surviving until the end of the year. An obvious candidate to replace him on an interim basis does not necessarily exist on staff, which further strengthens his case for 2024. Pederson – whose relationship with Baalke has reportedly headed in the wrong direction this year – remains confident in his team at this point as attention turns toward the offseason and the potential for changes along the sidelines.
“That’s a tough thing in the sports world today, in general across all sporting events and sports teams, teams that go through slumps and defeats and things like that, sometimes it is hard. They feel defeated,” Pederson said (via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith). “But I’ll tell you what, you don’t see that with this team. And I think it’s a credit to the leadership of this group… In order to pull yourself out of this, you have to have that type of leadership and a close group, even when you’re not getting the results you want.”
Mac Jones is in position to once again lead the Jags’ offense on Sunday. He had a forgettable Jacksonville debut last week as the team lost 12-7 to the Vikings, and a step forward in production will be needed against the Lions. Detroit sports a record of 8-1 and heads into Week 11 on a seven-game winning streak, so the possibility certainly exists of a lopsided score in favor of the home team. If that comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see how Khan and the Jaguars react.
Trevor Lawrence Out For Week 11; Jaguars Optimistic About Post-Bye Return
Trevor Lawrence missed only the second game of his career last week as he continues to deal with an AC joint sprain. Jacksonville’s starting quarterback will be sidelined again in Week 11, but his status beyond that point is uncertain. 
Lawrence’s sprain is in his non-throwing shoulder, and for the time being he is attempting to address the matter through rest and rehab. Surgery could be an option at some point, however, and that would shut him down for the remainder of the campaign. For the time being, team and player are taking a week-to-week approach.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson confirmed Lawrence will be out for the upcoming game against the Lions. That matchup will be followed by the team’s bye week, and Pederson expressed optimism (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco) Lawrence could be back in place in time for Jacksonville’s Week 13 game. The team will no doubt be cautious with the former No. 1 pick’s rehab process, but multiple weeks on the mend could help in his recovery to a notable degree.
The Jaguars sit at 2-8 on the year, so a second-half turnaround leading to postseason contention should not be expected. Lawrence’s long-term health is an obvious priority for the franchise given his five-year, $275MM extension signed this offseason. After the Clemson product played through a number of ailments late last season, it would come as no surprise if avoiding the risk of further injury received consideration in 2024. Having Lawrence in place would, on the other hand, give the Jags a chance to find better consistency and production on offense down the stretch – something which, in turn, could play a role in determining Pederson’s job security.
Mac Jones got the nod in Week 10, going 14-for-22 in a loss to the Vikings. The former Patriots first-rounder threw a pair of interceptions; he also committed one fumble and was sacked three times. An improved performance will be the goal against the 8-1 Lions, although expectations will likely be rather low on that front given the caliber of Jacksonville’s opposition. Recently re-acquired C.J. Beathard will dress as Jones’ backup for at least one more contest before a potential post-bye Lawrence return.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/12/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Jakeem Grant
- Released: LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
Carolina Panthers
- Released: LB Cam Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: QB Will Grier
- Released: S Emany Johnson
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Maurice Alexander, DE Isaiah Thomas
Houston Texans
- Signed: OL Cameron Erving, CB D’Angelo Ross
- Released: CB Desmond King, OT David Sharpe
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: OT Mason Brooks
- Released: DE Derek Rivers
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Jerome Carvin, OL Dieter Eiselen
- Released: LS Peter Bowden, QB John Rhys Plumlee
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Joshua Miles
- Released: P Matt Haack
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: RB Patrick Taylor
- Released: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Chandler Brewer
The Falcons have added a notable name to their special teams corps in Jakeem Grant. The long-time Dolphins returner has collected six ST touchdowns in his career (four via punts, two via kickoffs), and he’s even hauled in 100 catches. However, the veteran hasn’t seen the field since the 2021 campaign while spending the past few years on Cleveland’s practice squad.
With Dak Prescott done for the season, the Cowboys have added some extra QB depth. In comes old friend Will Grier, who spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns in Dallas. The former third-round pick has since bounced around the NFL, including stops with the Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers in just 2023. Grier still only has two career appearances on his resume, both coming with the Panthers in 2019.
The Texans have added some experienced OL depth in Cameron Erving. The veteran is coming off a 2023 campaign where he started two of his three appearances for the Saints, and he barely played in 11 appearances with the Panthers in 2022. Still, the 32-year-old brings 98 games (58 starts) of experience to Houston, a factor that could be valuable down the stretch. To make room on the practice squad, the Texans moved on from cornerback Desmond King. The veteran has only seen time in one game for Houston this season, although he’s not far removed from a 2022 campaign where he started 13 games for the Texans.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Could Miss Remainder Of Season
Earlier this week, it was reported that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was likely to miss his club’s Week 10 matchup with the Vikings today. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com confirms that Lawrence will indeed be sidelined for the Minnesota contest, and it is possible that the former No. 1 overall pick will be out for the remainder of the season.
As Rapoport details, Lawrence has a significant AC joint sprain. The ailment is to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, though it can make throwing, and even basic functioning, difficult. While the current plan is for the Clemson product to simply rest and rehab the injury, surgery remains a distinct possibility.
Such a decision would naturally force Lawrence to miss the balance of the 2024 campaign. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the 25-year-old passer is still gathering information about his options, one of which includes a premature end to his season.
If Lawrence is unable to suit up again in 2024, it would likely not have too much of an impact on Jacksonville’s immediate fortunes. The 2-7 outfit has almost no chance of qualifying for the playoffs, and the Jags will therefore want to be extra cautious with their high-priced signal-caller, who signed a five-year, $275MM extension in June.
However, should the losses continue to pile up, it becomes even more likely that head coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke will be fired. Owner Shad Khan voiced his support for both men last month, but Khan also called this year’s roster the best in franchise history, and as the club has struggled even with its QB1 in the lineup, it would not be a surprise if Khan opted for an organizational overhaul.
Mac Jones, an offseason trade acquisition, will get the call in Lawrence’s absence. The former first-round pick of the Patriots, who finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2021, saw the early stages of his career undermined by New England’s coaching and schematic maneuvers the following season. With the Pats holding the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft and wanting to start afresh with a new coaching regime and a new quarterback, Jones was dealt to his native Jacksonville in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Now 26, Jones did have to hold off C.J. Beathard for the Jags’ backup gig over the summer (Beathard is now back on the team after Jacksonville recently signed him from the Dolphins’ taxi squad in the wake of Lawrence’s injury). Jones has thrown just nine passes this season, but he is in a contract year, and he could have a real chance to build some momentum down the stretch as he tries to position himself for at least a shot at a starting gig somewhere in 2025.
Jaguars Activate WR Devin Duvernay, S Andrew Wingard
The Jaguars are getting some reinforcements this week. At 2-7 in the basement of the AFC South, it seems likely that a run for the playoffs is not in the cards for 2024. Still, as injuries continue to beleaguer Jacksonville, they’ll take all the help they can get. That help comes today in the form of safety Andrew Wingard and return man Devin Duvernay, who are being activated from injured reserve.
The Jaguars knew Wingard would be unavailable early in the season after the veteran safety suffered a knee injury in training camp. At the time, Jacksonville was hosting a position battle between Antonio Johnson and Terrell Edmunds for the starting safety spot next to Andre Cisco to open the year. Edmunds ended up on the practice squad and eventually was re-signed by the Steelers, who drafted him in the first round in 2018. Johnson and Darnell Savage have worked together to fill in the starting safety spots with Cisco.
Wingard provides some starting depth in the secondary. He’s not a full-time starter for the team but did start 15 games for the team in 2021. He’s started 26 games in his five seasons in Jacksonville. While he’s not necessarily a gamechanger, the Jaguars will take any help they can help for a defense that ranks 29th in points allowed, 30th in yards allowed, and 31st in passing yards allowed.
Duvernay’s influence is solely on special teams. While he did have a couple decent receiving contributions during his time in Baltimore, his experience in his first year with the Jaguars has come with minimal time on offense. Despite having missed the last four games, Duvernay still leads the team with a combined 12 kickoff and punt returns.
During Duvernay’s absence, though, the Jaguars may have found someone more worthy of the role. A sixth-round pick from last year, Parker Washington has been electric in the return game for Jacksonville. A 96-yard punt return for a touchdown easily pushes Washington’s yardage and per return average over Duvernay’s. On kick returns both Washington and running back Tank Bigsby average more yards per return than Duvernay, though Bigsby may not be an option with Travis Etienne‘s recent injuries.
The Jaguars have a lot of work to do if they have any hopes of making a run here to end the season. As injuries continue to plague the team in Duval, seeing players become healthy and add depth is crucial.
Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence Unlikely To Play In Week 10
Trevor Lawrence is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, and it could lead to missed time. The Jaguars’ franchise quarterback will likely be out for Week 10, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. 
Lawrence is weighing his options at this point and is currently considered day to day. If he were to miss Jacksonville’s next game, it would mark only the second time in his career he was unable to suit up for a contest. Surgery could be a consideration down the road, but Rapoport adds nothing is imminent on that front.
Injuries were an issue for much of last season in Lawrence’s case, and his play when on the field did match expectations as Jacksonville fell short of a postseason berth. The 2024 campaign has also not gone according to plan, and with a 2-7 record the Jags are once again on track to miss the playoffs. A cautious approach with respect to Lawrence’s recovery process would thus come as no surprise.
The former No. 1 pick’s passer rating for 2024 (87.9) is the lowest mark of his career since his rookie season, and his 11:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio leaves plenty to be desired. Jacksonville’s offense is already notably shorthanded with wideout Christian Kirk out for the season, and the unit would face an even steeper challenge against the Vikings if Lawrence were to be sidelined as well. Given the latter’s $55MM-per-year extension worked out this offseason, a long-term outlook with respect to his recovery would be sensible.
Provided Lawrence does indeed miss out for Week 10, Mac Jones will be in line to get the start in his place. The offseason trade acquisition has played only 17 snaps so far this year, but that could change in the immediate future. Jacksonville reunited with C.J. Beathard yesterday, a move which gives the team depth under center if needed. Lawrence’s status over the coming days and (especially if surgery does become a possibility) beyond will be worth following closely.
Jaguars Sign C.J. Beathard From Dolphins’ Practice Squad
The Jaguars signed C.J. Beathard to their 53-man roster from the Dolphins’ practice squad on Wednesday, adding quarterback depth with Trevor Lawrence‘s status for Week 10 in question.
Lawrence played all of Jacksonville’s Week 9 loss to the Eagles but required some medical attention during halftime after taking a hit, according to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice with his left shoulder listed on the injury report. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said it was too early to prognosticate about Lawrence’s availability for Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings, per DiRocco.
Beathard will be insurance if Lawrence can’t play, backing up Mac Jones who will start under center. Jones was traded to Jacksonville by the Patriots this offseason and has appeared in garbage time of two of the Jaguars’ losses this year, completing six of his nine passing attempts for 28 yards.
Beathard spent training camp with the Jaguars and competed with Jones for the backup quarterback gig before injuring his groin in the team’s preseason finale. He was released with an injury settlement and found a new home on the Dolphins’ practice squad in October with Tua Tagovailoa still on injured reserve. Beathard appeared in seven games for the Jaguars in 2023, completing 40 of his 53 passing attempts for 349 yards and one touchdown.
The Jaguars also designated Devin Duvernay for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. Duvernay served as Jacksonville’s primary returner with minimal involvement in the offense until he injured his hamstring in Week 5. Parker Washington and Tank Bigsby have split returning duties in his absence, but Duvernay will likely reclaim the job once he’s back on the active roster. He has three weeks to practice with the team before he must be activated or revert to season-ending IR.
2024 NFL Trades
We have reached the 2024 trade deadline, which came one week later than the league’s usual endpoint. An offseason measure to move the deadline back one week passed, sliding the deadline beyond Week 9 after it had resided the Tuesday following Week 8 since 2012. That opened the door to more activity this year.
The 2024 offseason also featured extensive work, as teams added starters and depth pieces. Here are the trades involving veteran players (or rookies already drafted) to take place this year:
March 4
- Bears land OL Ryan Bates from Bills in exchange for No. 144
Bears chose defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144
March 9
- Browns acquire WR Jerry Jeudy from Broncos for Nos. 136, 203
Broncos sent Seahawks No. 136, included 203 in trade with Jets for QB Zach Wilson
March 10
- Jaguars add QB Mac Jones from Patriots in exchange for No. 193
Patriots chose QB Joe Milton at 193
March 11
- Lions add CB Carlton Davis, No. 201, 2025 sixth-rounder from Buccaneers for No. 92
Bucs drafted WR Jalen McMillan at No. 92; Lions traded No. 201 to Eagles
- Giants acquire OLB Brian Burns, No. 166 from Panthers in exchange for Nos. 39, 141, 2025 fifth-rounder
Panthers traded down from No. 39, giving Rams access to DT Braden Fiske; team moved No. 141 in Bills deal that sent WR Xavier Legette to Carolina. Giants chose RB Tyrone Tracy at 166.
March 12
- Texans sent Bengals No. 224 in exchange for RB Joe Mixon
Bengals chose DB Daijahn Anthony at No. 224
- Panthers, Steelers swap CB Donte Jackson, WR Diontae Johnson
March 13
- 49ers land DT Maliek Collins from Texans for No. 232
Texans traded No. 232 to Vikings
- Jets acquire RT Morgan Moses, No. 134 from Ravens in exchange for Nos. 113, 218
Ravens chose WR Devontez Walker at No. 113, QB Devin Leary at 218; Jets drafted RB Braelon Allen at 134
March 14
- Cardinals, Falcons swap WR Rondale Moore, QB Desmond Ridder
- Seahawks acquire QB Sam Howell, Nos. 102, 179 from Commanders for Nos. 78, 152
Commanders traded Nos. 78, 152 to Eagles in trade that sent CB Cooper DeJean to Philadelphia; Seahawks moved down from No. 102, drafted G Sataoa Laumea at 179
- Bears add WR Keenan Allen from Chargers for No. 110 overall
Bolts traded No. 110 to Patriots
March 15
- Eagles acquire QB Kenny Pickett, No. 120 from Steelers in exchange for No. 98, highest two Philadelphia 2025 seventh-round draft choices
Steelers chose LB Payton Wilson at No. 98; Eagles traded No. 120 to Dolphins in package that brought back 2025 third-rounder
March 16
- Steelers sent Bears conditional 2025 sixth-round pick for QB Justin Fields
Fields must play in 51% of Steelers’ offensive snaps for pick to elevate from sixth to fourth round
March 22
- Titans add CB L’Jarius Sneed, No. 252 from Chiefs in exchange for No. 221, 2025 third-round pick
Chiefs traded No. 221 to Bills; Titans chose OLB Jaylen Harrell at 252
March 29
- Jets bring in DE Haason Reddick from Eagles in exchange for conditional 2025 third-round pick
Pick would have become second-rounder had Reddick played 67.5% of Jets’ 2024 defensive snaps and recorded at least 10 sacks. Reddick’s holdout ensured Philly’s pick will land in Round 3.
April 3
- Texans acquire WR Stefon Diggs, No. 189, 2025 fifth-rounder in exchange for 2025 second-round pick from Bills
Texans dealt No. 189 to Lions for Nos. 205, 249
April 12
- Titans obtain OL Leroy Watson from Browns for No. 227
Browns chose CB Myles Harden at No. 227
April 22
- Broncos add QB Zach Wilson, No. 256 from Jets for No. 203
In trade that gave Vikings J.J. McCarthy draft real estate at No. 10 overall, Jets sent No. 203 to Minnesota; Broncos chose C Nick Gargiulo at 256
April 27
- Broncos, Jets reach agreement on Day 3 of draft, sending DL John Franklin-Myers to Denver for 2026 sixth-round pick
May 9
- Texans obtain WR Ben Skowronek, 2026 seventh-round pick from Rams for 2026 sixth-rounder
August 9
- Cowboys add CB Andrew Booth from Vikings in exchange for CB Nahshon Wright
August 11
- Browns reacquire C Nick Harris from Seahawks in pick-swap deal that sent 2025 sixth-round pick to Seattle, 2025 seventh-rounder to Cleveland
August 14
- Falcons obtain OLB Matt Judon from Patriots for 2025 third-round pick
- Cowboys acquire DT Jordan Phillips, 2026 seventh-round pick from Giants for conditional 2026 sixth-rounder
Dallas carried Phillips on its active roster for two games, meeting minimum requirement for conditional sixth to transfer
August 22
- Eagles add WR Jahan Dotson, 2025 fifth-round pick from Commanders for higher of Philadelphia’s 2025 third-round choices, lowest two of Philly’s 2025 seventh-round selections
- Panthers acquire CB Michael Jackson from Seahawks in exchange for LB Michael Barrett
- Commanders bring in K Cade York from Browns for conditional 2025 seventh-round pick
Pick did not convey due to Commanders cutting York before he played in two games with team
August 23
- Bears land DE Darrell Taylor from Seahawks for 2025 sixth-round pick
August 24
- Bears acquire DT Chris Williams, 2025 seventh-round pick from Browns for 2025 sixth-rounder
August 26
- Seahawks add OLB Trevis Gipson from Jaguars for 2025 sixth-round pick
- Packers obtain QB Malik Willis from Titans for 2025 seventh-round pick
- Chiefs acquire DE Cam Thomas from Cardinals for 2025 seventh-round pick
August 27
- Chiefs obtain TE Peyton Hendershot from Cowboys for conditional 2026 seventh-round pick
- Bills add CB Brandon Codrington, 2026 seventh-round pick from Jets for 2026 sixth-rounder
- Titans land LB Ernest Jones from Rams for 2026 fifth-round pick
August 28
- Chargers acquire CB Elijah Molden from Titans for 2026 seventh-round pick
- Saints add DT John Ridgeway, 2025 seventh-round pick from Commanders, for conditional 2025 sixth-rounder
- Chargers bring in QB Taylor Heinicke from Falcons in exchange for conditional 2026 sixth-round pick
October 14
- Seahawks land DL Roy Robertson-Harris from Jaguars in exchange for 2026 sixth-round pick
October 15
- Jets win Davante Adams sweepstakes, sending conditional 2025 third-round pick to Raiders for All-Pro WR
Pick would upgrade to second-rounder if Adams earns first- or second-team All-Pro recognition or is on Jets’ active roster for 2024 AFC championship game or Super Bowl LIX
- Bills obtain WR Amari Cooper, 2025 sixth-round pick from Browns for 2025 third-rounder, 2026 seventh
- Vikings acquire RB Cam Akers, conditional 2026 seventh-round pick from Texans for conditional 2026 sixth-rounder
October 23
- Chiefs bring in WR DeAndre Hopkins in deal with Titans involving conditional 2025 fifth-round pick
Pick would become fourth-rounder if Hopkins both plays 60% of Chiefs’ remaining offensive snaps and Kansas City advances to Super Bowl LIX
- Seahawks acquire LB Ernest Jones from Titans in exchange for LB Jerome Baker, 2025 fourth-round pick
October 28
- Chiefs add DE Josh Uche from Patriots in exchange for 2026 sixth-round pick
October 29
- Ravens acquire WR Diontae Johnson from Panthers; teams swapping 2025 fifth-, sixth-round picks
- Vikings obtain LT Cam Robinson, conditional 2026 seventh-round pick from Jaguars in exchange for conditional 2026 fifth-rounder
Robinson’s playing time will determine if Jags pick climbs to a fourth-rounder and whether Vikings will end up receiving 2026 seventh
November 4
- Cardinals acquire OLB Baron Browning from Broncos, parting with sixth-round pick to do so
November 5
- Lions add OLB Za’Darius Smith, 2026 seventh-round pick from Browns for 2025 fifth-, 2026 sixth-rounders
- Bengals acquire RB Khalil Herbert from Bears for 2025 seventh-round pick
- Cowboys obtain WR Jonathan Mingo, 2025 seventh-round pick from Panthers for 2025 fourth-rounder
- Commanders land CB Marshon Lattimore, 2025 fifth-round pick from Commanders in exchange for 2025 third-, fourth-, sixth-round selections
Sixth-rounder going to New Orleans comes from pick Saints sent Commanders for John Ridgeway
- Steelers pick up WR Mike Williams from Jets for 2025 fifth-round selection
- Steelers bring in OLB Preston Smith from Packers for 2025 seventh-round pick
- Ravens add CB Tre’Davious White, 2027 seventh-round pick from Rams for 2026 seventh-round choice
- 49ers beat deadline buzzer by acquiring DT Khalil Davis from Texans for 2026 seventh-round pick
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/5/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: WR Chris Moore
Carolina Panthers
- Released: LB Jackson Mitchell
Houston Texans
- Signed: G Tremayne Anchrum
- Released: LB Shaun Bradley
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: LS Peter Bowden, OL Dennis Daley
- Released: RB Jake Funk, LB Tanner Muse
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: DL Jonah Williams
- Released: P Ryan Sanborn
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LS Tucker Addington
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Monty Rice
- Released: C Bryan Hudson
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: G Kyle Hergel, DE Trajan Jeffcoat, RB Xazavian Valladay
- Released: DE Niko Lalos
New York Jets
- Released: S Marquise Blair
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: DT Domenique Davis
- Released: WR Andy Isabella, LB Craig Young
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: K Anders Carlson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: TE Thomas Odukoya, S Gervarrius Owens, G Cole Spencer, S Daryl Worley
Jaguars Release Veteran S Tashaun Gipson
Shortly after releasing Rayshawn Jenkins near the opening of free agency, the Jaguars signed a potential replacement in veteran safety Tashaun Gipson. Unfortunately, Gipson will not be able to stretch his second stint in Jacksonville to the field as the Jaguars announced his release today from the exempt/commissioner’s permission list. 
Gipson was placed on the list in preparation to return from a six-game suspension levied by the NFL for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Some posited that, at 34 years old, Gipson might avoid the suspension altogether by retiring after 12 seasons in the league, but Gipson made it clear that he would not appeal the suspension and had intentions to play in 2024.
An undrafted free agent out of Wyoming for the Browns in 2012, Gipson almost immediately found his place in the NFL becoming a full-time starter and intercepting five passes in 2013. The following year, Gipson made his only Pro Bowl, leading the NFL with 158 interception return yards. That yardage came off six picks in just 11 games. Since then, Gipson has played full-time starting roles with the Jaguars, Texans, Bears, and most recently, the 49ers. His 33 career interceptions rank fourth among active defenders behind only Patrick Peterson (36), Tyrann Mathieu (35), and Harrison Smith (35).
The Jaguars were hoping to pair Gipson with Andre Cisco at safety, but knowing that he’d miss at least six games, they figured to use fellow Wyoming alum Andrew Wingard as a starter in the interim. Unfortunately, a knee injury in August landed Wingard on injured reserve, where he’s remained to this day. With Wingard and Gipson out, Jacksonville has split time between Antonio Johnson and Darnell Savage next to Cisco with less than satisfactory results.
The release of Gipson is interesting as the team ranks 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed through nine weeks. Even if he’s a step slower at 34, one would think that Gipson would be an immediate upgrade next to Cisco. Sitting in the AFC South basement at 2-7, the Jaguars may be accepting their lot for the 2024 season. With eyes towards the future, an aging veteran on a one-year contract doesn’t really fit into the picture.
Additionally, Jacksonville announced that offensive guard Cooper Hodges has been placed on IR, opening up a spot on the 53-man roster. A seventh-round pick last year out of Appalachian State, Hodges made his NFL debut this year after spending his rookie year on IR. After appearing in all nine games and making his first career start last week, Hodges suffered a serious leg injury on a two-point conversion attempt, getting carted off the field and transported to the hospital.