JACKSONVILLE — The Jaguars released eight-year veteran quarterback Nick Mullens and 35 other players to meet the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline, a sweeping transaction day that reshapes the club’s depth chart two weeks before the 2026 regular-season opener.
Mullens served as the backup to starter Trevor Lawrence last season. His departure came a day after Jacksonville traded a sixth-round selection in the 2028 NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins for second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers, signaling the franchise’s preferred direction at the position.
The Jaguars waived 25 players, released nine, waived/injured two and placed two on reserve/injured designated to return. Teams had until 6 p.m. EST to reduce to 53.
Among the notable releases were wide receiver Tim Jones, who played 53 games with three starts over five seasons in Jacksonville, and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, who appeared in 14 games with two starts last season after signing as an unrestricted free agent in the 2025 offseason. Running back DeeJay Dallas, who played in three games last season, and wide receiver Austin Trammell, who appeared in seven games over two seasons, were also let go.
Three linebackers with draft pedigree were waived: Yasir Abdullah, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft who played 29 games with three starts across three seasons; Jack Kiser, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft who appeared in 14 games as a rookie; and Jalen McLeod, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft who spent the 2025 season on injured reserve.
Undrafted rookie quarterback Joey Aguilar was waived, while quarterback Carter Bradley was waived/injured after spending last season on the practice squad. Defensive tackle Kelvie Rose was also waived/injured. Cornerback Corey Ballentine, offensive lineman Geron Christian Jr., offensive lineman Sam Mustipher and linebacker Baylon Spector were released.
The Jaguars placed offensive lineman Patrick Mekari and defensive end Zach Durfee on reserve/injured designated to return. In a separate trade, Jacksonville sent tight end Hunter Long to the Arizona Cardinals along with a 2028 seventh-round selection, receiving a 2028 sixth-round pick in return.
All players released or waived are eligible for the Jaguars’ 16-player practice squad, which can expand to 17 players if one slot is filled through the NFL’s International Pathway Program. Offensive lineman Kilian Zierer, who was among those waived, is part of the IPP.