Jacksonville Jaguars helmet (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Five days after drafting a highly-touted wide receiver in LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars have released a notable veteran WR from their roster.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Zay Jones and kicker Joey Slye on Tuesday morning. The Slye move was expected after the AFC South club used the No. 212 pick on Arkansas kicker Cam Little.

But the release of Jones is a bit surprising, given how productive he was with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The veteran speedster signed a three-year contract worth $24 million in 2022 free agency and quickly emerged as one of Lawrence’s favorite targets.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wide receiver had a career year in 2022 by racking up 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns. Jones’ efforts helped the Jags to a surprise AFC South division title and to a stunning comeback win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card Round.

Injuries limited Jones to nine games in a frustrating 2023 season for the Jaguars. He caught 34 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars Look To Rebound After Tough 2023 Finish

The Jacksonville Jaguars jumped out to a promising 6-2 start last season, highlighted by statement wins over the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first half, the Jaguars looked poised to rise as a true AFC powerhouse.

But things began to unravel when the Jags were stunned by the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 13. That loss was the turning point for Jacksonville, who lost five of their final six games to finish 9-8.

That, coupled with the Houston Texans’ late-season surge, saw Jacksonville cough up a second straight AFC South division crown. As a result, the Jaguars missed out on the chance to lock down back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 1998 and ’99.